The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ondo State, has called on the State House of Assembly to invoke section 189(1) to cause a medical panel to be instituted to ascertain Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s medical status and do the needful in the interest of the people of the state.
The party, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Akure by its Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, said; “the time has come for the Ondo State House of Assembly to immediately begin the impeachment process of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN for violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“It is no longer news that Ondo State has been on auto-pilot for nearly six months, grounding all activities of the government due to the ill health of the Governor.
“Unfortunately, rather than tell the citizens the truth, most of Akeredolu’s handlers have resorted to insulting the sensibilities of the people by making a public show of their ignorance. The handling of Akeredolu’s condition by his aides has robbed the Governor of public sympathy.
“The Constitution envisaged that it is possible for a State Governor to be ill or incapacitated as it is the case with Akeredolu now and therefore made safeguards. Section 193(2) states expressly that “the Governor of a state shall hold regular meetings with the Deputy Governor and all Commissioners of the Government of the State for the purposes of – determine the general direction of policies of the state” amongst other provisions.
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“When was the last time Akeredolu held a State Executive Council meeting? It is not a crime to be ill, but that will not be the reason an entire state must be brought to its knees.
“Our party wishes to urge the Governor’s aides to stop ridiculing themselves by defending the indefensible and standing logic on its head.”
But in a swift reaction, the State House of Assembly, urged the people to ignore the PDP because it lacked knowledge of the duties of a Governor
According to the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Governor has been performing his constitutional duties and has not breached any aspect of the Constitution.
Ogunmolasuyi said the Assembly has noted ongoing developmental projects across the state including prompt payment of salaries and clearing of backlog of salary arrears.
He said the PDP is not in the know whether the State Executive Council meeting was held or not.
Read also: I’m going nowhere again for medical vacation — Akeredolu
According to him, “The Governor is doing his duties. Everything is going on well in the state. We have met with the Governor and all those that want to meet with him.
“If the Governor is not doing what he is supposed to do, we will question him. He has signed all bills brought before him. What we know is that the PDP is a dead party. They cannot stipulate the duties of a Governor.”
We stand with Akeredolu — APC South-West Zonal Youth Wing
Meanwhile, the South-West Zonal Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the decision of Governor Akeredolu to seek rest and adjust his normal work schedule to allow him to fully recover was a testament to his human nature, reminding us that even leaders are not exempted from the trials of flesh and blood.
Lawal Kolade, the leader of the group, who disclosed this at a press conference held at the Ondo NUJ Press Centre, Akure, therefore, said; “we are optimistic that he (Akeredolu) will soon make a complete recovery and physically join us.
“Recent days have witnessed remarkable progress in various projects overseen by the administration, affirming unequivocally that governance in Ondo State is robust and resolute. We urge the remarkable people of Ondo State to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.”
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