….wants Akeredolu to address indigenes.
A group of professionals of Ondo descent under the umbrella of the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has called on the state House of Assembly to discontinue with the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prevent unnecessary political crisis in the state.
The group also advised the state Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu to address the people of Ondo state after returning from medical vacation.
Addressing a news conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Akure, the ORF led by Ayodeji Ologun, who is the Chairman of ORF, claimed that the impeachment was not in the best interest of the people.
Ologun who was flanked by the Co-Chairman, Mogbojuri kayode; the Secretary of the group, Olufemi Lawson and some leaders and members of the ORF, pointed out that “the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) is a group of professionals of Ondo descent and are deeply interested in the progress of Ondo state. We work to foster a collaborative environment that promote dialogue and encourages policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our people, with a specific focus on advancing the welfare of Ondo state residents. We envision a future characterized by prosperity and growth.
“While Mr. Akeredolu returned to the country, for over two weeks that he returned to Nigeria in controversial manner, he has not been sighted in the state rather, also, worthy of mention is the fact that since the return of Mr. Akeredolu and his refusal to resume at his official duty -post for the governance of the state, a situation that is causing serious apprehension in the state, the State House of Assembly has not been helping matters.
“The Ondo State House of Assembly has decided to add salt to injury by instigating violence, anarchy and orchestrating break down of law and order by embarking on unjustified and unwarranted process of impeachment of the Deputy Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the expense of the peace, stability and the welfare of the people of Ondo State.
“As a group, we strongly believe that politics should be the least of the worries of the political class in Ondo state at the moment but delivery of good governance in the overriding interest of the people of the state. Our people has been cheated over time with no progressive impact on
their daily life.
“We are not unaware that this is not about accountability as the House wants us to believe but a vendetta by a class of crass opportunists who have unfettered access to the resources of the state occasioned by the incapacity of the Governor.
“In view of the above stated and the contemplation of section 11(1)(4)(5) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, we hereby implore The National Assembly to call Ondo State House of Assembly to order in the overriding interest of the people of the state and the country at large.
Accountability.
“There has been claims and counter claims from different quarters as regard the management of the subsidy fund given by the federal government and other items too, on behalf of our people, we demand an investigation into the utility of the fund and other items supplied to the state.
“One of such is the ignoble assault on the commissioner for women affairs in the state by a party chieftain in the Akoko area of the state where palliatives was been distributed to party faithful other than the real people in need of it across the state. We demand a probe and accountability in this regard.
“National Policies and Our Representatives So Far. We commend the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for graciously appointing indigenes of ondo state to his cabinet to serve in various capacities and we are not unmindful of the youthful inclusion in his administration.
“So far, ondo state has two youthful ministers amidst other appointments as special advisors, assistant and the NNDC board. We are particularly proud of the achievements of Olubunmi Ojo as the minister of interior in a short period in office as regards restoring the difficulties in acquiring national identity passport and other sectors.
“We are committed to the progress of Ondo state and we would not allow anyone or any group of people to drag us in the mud,” Ologun said.
AKEREDOLU REACTS
Reacting, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde said “The location of the Governor isn’t hindering any form of development in the state. In fact, the Governor, upon his return to the country, immediately held meetings with crucial stakeholders to discuss matters of state importance, showcasing his commitment to the state’s development irrespective of his location.
It’s noteworthy to mention that the Governor has recently signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) bill into Law. This is a progressive step towards the development of the state, further reinforcing the fact that the government is operational and effectively functioning.
In the same vein, the various state ministries are delivering efficiently on their mandates. Specifically, the Ministry of the Budget and Economic Planning recently commenced a series of town hall meetings in preparation for the 2024 budget, demonstrating the government’s dedication to transparent and inclusive governance.
As of this moment, construction work is in progress at the Onyarubulem-Shagari/Irese flyover, which is a significant landmark as the first flyover in Akure, the state capital, since Ondo State was created. This administration also constructed the first flyover in the state at Ore, further emphasizing its commitment to infrastructural development.
The Governor has continually expressed appreciation to the good people of Ondo State for their unwavering support and prayers during his medical vacation. He issued a personal press statement, expressing his gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the good people of Ondo State, and other distinguished Nigerians.
Just last week, the Governor instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands & Housing to commence the permanent rehabilitation of the Akure-Owena-Ondo Road. This action was taken to prevent unnecessary hardship and loss of lives on the federal highways located within Ondo State territory.
To alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the state government, through the palliative committee led by the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, is actively distributing palliatives to the state’s residents. Moreover, the state’s free school shuttle buses have resumed operations, providing transportation for children to school. Civil servants are also benefiting from special transportation arrangements to and from work.
Significant progress is being made in the construction of the ultra-modern University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure. Furthermore, the government ensures the prompt payment of workers’ salaries as and when due.
The government is not only functional but also actively advancing the state’s development. The location of the Governor, therefore, should not be sensationalised, but rather, the focus should be on the tangible progress being made in the state,” the CPS said.
