The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Friday confirmed receipt of a letter of resumption of duty from the state Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, who just returned from medical vacation in Germany.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly , Rt.Hon.Olamide Oladiji, who confirmed this in a statement personally signed by him, said Akeredolu’s action is in line with Section 190(1)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The Speaker stated that the governor resumed duty on Friday, 8th September, 2023, saying the letter was received during the Parliamentary meeting of the House yesterday.
According to the Speaker, “the Governor in his letter, expressed gratitude to the Lawmakers for their good wishes.”
Oladiji said “the Governor’s action is in line with Section 190(1)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“The letter was received today during the Parliamentary meeting of the House, the Governor resumed duty today, Friday, 8th September, 2023.”
Oladiji, who expressed appreciation to God for bringing the governor back home hale and hearty, said the entire people of Ondo State are glad to see him back in office.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to governor Akeredolu, Mr. Richard Olatunde, on Friday, confirmed the return of the governor to the country from his medical vacation.
Olatunde who disclosed this in a statement signed by him, stated that Governor Akeredolu, upon return convened a meeting with key stakeholders from state in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
According to Olatunde, Akeredolu formally handed over his resumption letter to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide, and also provided a copy to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was in attendance.
Governor Akeredolu said: ”I came back yesterday, and as you know, it was a long journey. I decided that I must meet with you today. God has answered our prayers, and we give Him all the glory.
“I can assure you that our return is to the glory of God and the prayers of all of you here, and those who wished us well, I thank you very much.
“God has done what the majority of our people wanted. Majority of our people here knelt down and prayed for our return, and we have returned.
“So, because we had to land here in Ibadan first, I said I have to meet with House of Assembly members here. We are here, and we are back. I am back, and by the grace of God, I will be alive to complete my full tenure in office.
“I want to tell you that I am back, and I will resume work immediately. This is my letter of resumption.”
The Speaker, speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, expressed gratitude for the safe return of the Governor, stating that the Governor’s return to the country is a prayer answered.
Akeredolu, while meeting with members of the State Executive Council, informed them that he had presented his letter of resumption to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
He appreciated the State Executive Council members for their prayers and the good work they had carried out while he was away on medical vacation.
The Governor said: ”We are now back, and we give God all the glory. I have to let members of the House of Assembly know first that we have returned.
“As of today, I’m back as Governor of Ondo State. We thank God that I am alive and here. It’s your prayers that have kept us here. The office of the Governor has resumed full work.”
Governor Akeredolu also held meetings with members of the National Assembly, including Senator representing Ondo North, Senator Jide Ipinsagba; Members of the House of Representatives representing Owo/Ose, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe; Ilaje/Ese-Odo, Hon. Donald Ojogo, Idanre/Ifedore, Hon. Festus Akingbaso; Okitipupa/Irele, Hon. Jimi Odimayo and Akoko South West/South East, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati.
The governor however, appreciated the people of Ondo State for their ceaseless prayers and support during his recovery process.
He assured the people of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the progress and development of the state.
Some of the stakeholders present at the meeting included members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide; Members of the State Executive Council, led by the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; National Assembly members; led by Senator Jide Ipinsagba; and Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Working Committee, led by the Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.
Others were: Youth groups, led by the Ondo APC Youth Leader, Comrade Olawande Ayo Wisdom; Former Local Government Chairmen, led by Hon. Augustine Ogbesetore; and members of the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO).
The wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, also joined the Governor to receive the FOWOSO members.
It would be recalled that in the Governor’s letter of 4th June,2023, he had informed of his proceeding on medical leave and later extended it on 4th July, 2023, while he directed his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to act in his stead.
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