A group, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Democracy, has called on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to resume his responsibilities without further delay or transfer power to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Convener of the group, Dr Tunji Asaolu, while addressing a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, expressed concern over Akeredolu’s prolonged absence from Ondo State.
Asaolu called on all relevant authorities to ensure the seamless transition of power from Akeredolu to his deputy.
He noted that despite the governor’s return from overseas medical treatment, he has yet to resume his duties within the state for several weeks.
The Coalition maintained that the state cannot afford to be without effective leadership, and therefore demanded swift action to rectify the situation.
Asaolu added that while they are praying fervently to God to fully restore Akeredolu’s good health and show him mercy, his protracted absence raises serious concerns about the functionality of governance, effective decision-making and administrative efficiency in the state.
He stressed that the intent of the framers of the Constitution in sections 189,190 and 191 was to avoid any kind of vacuum.
Asaolu maintained that the prolonged absence of the governor creates a governance vacuum, thereby impeding the effective administration of Ondo State.
The Coalition added, “We urge Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to prioritize the needs of the people and to resume his responsibilities without further delay or transfer power to his Deputy. Our state cannot afford to be without effective leadership, and we demand swift action to rectify this situation.
“Equally distressing is the apparent political interference by some persons not elected by the good people of Ondo State, preventing the Deputy Governor from fully discharging his constitutional duties in the absence of Governor Akeredolu. The people know their Governor and his Deputy, not a group of cabal or individuals constituting into “cabal.”
“We condemn any attempts by political jobbers to sow discord between the governor and his deputy, as well as any endeavors to exploit the resulting power vacuum for personal gain.
“We remind all stakeholders that the Constitution empowers the deputy governor to act in the governor’s absence. The political maneuvering preventing this is a violation of the very principles that underpin our democratic system. Ondo State deserves strong and unwavering leadership, especially in challenging times.”
