The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the state House of Assembly to immediately commence an impeachment process against Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Kennedy Peretei, Thursday claimed that Akeredolu’s continued absence from the state has grounded all government activities.
Recall that since Governor Akeredolu returned from his medical trip abroad, he has been running Ondo State from Ibadan, Oyo State despite protests by the opposition.
The PDP said, “The time has come for the Ondo State House of Assembly to immediately begin the impeachment process of Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
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“It is no longer news that Ondo State has been on auto-pilot for nearly six months, grounding all activities of the government due to the ill health of thegovernor.”
The PDP said rather than informing the people of the state, Akeredolu’s spokespersons “Resorted to insulting their sensibilities by making a public show of their ignorance”.
The opposition party specifically said the handling of Akeredolu’s health challenge by his aides has robbed the governor of any public sympathy.
“The constitution envisaged that it is possible for a state governor to be ill or incapacitated as is the case with Akeredolu now and therefore made safeguards.
“Section 193 (2) states expressly that ‘The governor of a state shall hold regular meetings with the deputy governor and all ccommissioners of the government of the state for the purposes of – (a) determine the general direction of policies of the state’ amongst other provisions.”
While reiterating that the whereabouts of Akeredolu have continued to halt real governance in the state, the PDP advised the governor’s aides to stop ridiculing and insulting the people of the state.
“When was the last time Akeredolu held a State Executive Council meeting? It is not a crime to be ill, but that will not be the reason an entire state must be brought to its knees.
“Our party wishes to urge the governor’s aides to stop ridiculing themselves by defending the indefensible and standing logic on its head,” the PDP added.
But reacting, the state assembly urged the people of the state to ignore the PDP, saying the main opposition party lacked knowledge of the duties of how government works.
Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Majority Leader of the assembly, said that the governor has not breached any aspect of the constitution.
He said, “If the governor is not doing what he is supposed to do, we will question him. He has signed all bills brought before him. What we know is that the PDP is a dead party. They cannot stipulate the duties of a governor.”
Your request mischievous – APC youthss
Also reacting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing in the South West described the PDP’s request as mischievous.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Akure, Kolade Lawal, the Zonal YouthLeader of the APC, said, “It’s not the best time for an individual or group of people to play politics with the whereabouts of Governor Akeredolu. I know the governor will be joining us in a few days without the threats of the opposition.
“The call for the whereabouts of the governor is a result of the love for him. When the opposition asked the question, it was borne out of mischief. You have the right to protest, but should not be to undermine the administration of Governor Akeredolu.”
