Leader of the Pan Yoruba sociopolitical group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti has urged President Bola Tinubu to wade into the political crisis and faceoff between the embattled deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Ayedatiwa and his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Fasoranti, who made this call in a letter to President Tinubu and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) signed by him, said the letter became necessary to halt the festering political crisis in the state and to avert looming crisis in the state.
The elder statesman who explained the steps taken by elders and leaders of the state to settle the difference between Akeredolu and his deputy but noted that all efforts yielded no positive results.
According to him, there is a need for the President to wade into the crisis and put an end to the constitutional crisis in the state and to avoid breakdown of law and order in the state.
The letter read: “the Ondo state Elders/ leaders observed and took note of that the prolonged absence of the Governor, who is also incommunicado due to his unabating health challenges;
“Misinformation of the Governor and lack of communication between the Governor and his Deputy, have resulted in the inability of the Deputy Governor to perform constitutional duties on behalf of the Governor, for the good governance of the State;
“Roles currently being played by the State Legislature in the absence of the Governor. The failure of the National Ruling Party and the Executive Arm of Government to nip the matter in the bud before the escalation of the crisis despite the laudable efforts made.
“We also observed the efforts already made and being made by some individuals, elders/leaders to mitigate the crisis;
“Apparent confusion and helplessness of Civil/Public Servants in the state in the absence of appropriate and clearly delineated directives. Feeling of hopelessness of the citizens of Ondo state in not enjoying continually, the expected dividends of democracy and good governance.
“The current utter disrespect for the Rule of Law in Ondo State whereby self-serving persons have taken over the government without due regard to the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria.
“Absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in National affairs due to the lingering crisis and foreseeable problems of late preparation of the 2024 Budget by the Executive Arm for the customary timely presentation to the State House of Assembly”
Fasoranti said the elders and leaders of the state, in their resolve stated that: “there should be NO impeachment of the Governor nor the Deputy Governor by the House of Assembly.
” All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solution to the current crisis., while the rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
“The Elders also call on the State/National Leadership of the Ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in Government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold.”
Fasoranti in the letter said the elders “prayed for the improved health of the Governor, Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, and noted that without doubt his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the state”
He disclosed that reconciliation efforts initiated by him and some other elders who include, Oba Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Femi Aluko, Korede Duyile and Professor Olu Aderounmu, some two months ago had been continuously vigorously pursued and should be concluded with a view to allowing true rapprochement and enduring good governance thrive in the State.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed TINUBU, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of Law and Order in Ondo state.”
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