Elders and leaders in Ondo State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a matter of urgency to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of law and order following the prolonged absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu due to his unabating health challenges.
A statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Akure at the end of their emergency meeting held at Pa. Reuben Fasoranti’s house, the Chairman/Convener and signed by the Secretary, Bakkita Bello, however, called for prayers for the improved health of the governor, noting that without doubt his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the state.
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The Ondo elders and leaders also said there should be no impeachment of the Governor nor the Deputy Governor by the House of Assembly and all unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solution to the current crisis.
The statement reads further; “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.
“Conciliation efforts initiated by Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Femi Aluko, Korede Duyile and Professor Olu Aderounmu, that were started two months ago and been continuously vigorously pursued by Elders/Leaders, Spiritual and Royal Fathers in the State, should be concluded with a view to allowing true rapprochement and enduring good governance thrive in the state.”
The elders and leaders in the state said they observed that; “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.
“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.
“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;
“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.
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“Absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in National affairs due to the lingering crisis;
“Foreseeable problems of late preparation of the 2024 Budget by the Executive Arm for the customary timely presentation to the State House of Assembly.”
BusinessDay reports that the emergency meeting had in attendance the traditional, religious and professional leaders, market women, the academia and other notable stakeholders in the state.
