The Ondo State House of Assembly has declared its support for the peace deal reached with President Bola Tinubu by political stakeholders over the state’s political crisis, but has insisted that Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa remain deputy, not acting governor.
President Tinubu intervened last Friday to break the political impasse in the state that had resulted from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s illness, absence from the state, and the impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa.
However, while reading the resolutions reached with the President at the Abuja meeting to his colleagues in plenary, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, clarified that Aiyedatiwa was not acting governor, but deputy governor.
“Honestly, there can never be any iota of development in an atmosphere devoid of peace,” he said, praising Tinubu and Afenifere Leader Pa Rueben Fasoranti for their interventions. It is my sincere hope that the good people of our beloved Sunshine State will reap additional dividends of democracy and good governance as a result of this renewed peace in our beloved State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me present to the good people of Ondo State the resolution reached following the meeting of representatives of the Ondo State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members, Ondo State members of the National Assembly, and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress with His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“That all parties embrace peace; that all parties maintain the status quo; that all impeachment proceedings be terminated immediately, and all court cases be withdrawn by all parties; and that the State Executive Council will not be dissolved.”
“That an undated letter of resignation be written, signed by the Deputy Governor, and submitted to the President; that the party leadership and structures remain intact; that the leadership of the House of Assembly remains intact; and that Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa continues to perform the functions of his office as Deputy Governor.”
“That three enforcers, including the State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji Adesanmi, and the State Government Secretary, Princess Catharine Oladunni Odu, were arrested.”
He urged those involved to sheathe their swords, bury the hatchet, and consider better ways to accelerate the Sunshine State’s much-needed development in the interests of the people.
“Let me at this juncture warn politicians and other gladiators fanning the embers of war, in this state, because of their political interests to please tread softly as the House of Assembly will not hesitate to deploy the full weight of the law in calling them to order,” he went on to say.
