By Banji Ayoola
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of law and order in Ondo State.”
With these words, the revered elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and other prominent elders in Ondo State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to wade in and resolve the lingering political crisis rocking the state.
Fasoranti, leading the elders including a former Secretary to the Federal Government now the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and a former speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Rt Hon Bakkita Bello, among other notable elders, formally passionately appealed to the president and APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje under the aegis of Ondo State Elders and Leaders after an emergency meeting in Akure, the state capital.
They noted that the continued face-off between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has continued to affect governance in the state, particularly with the absence of the governor.
In a communiqué signed by Fasoranti and the group’s secretary, Rt Hon Bakitta Bello, after the meeting, they expressed concern that, with no clear directives over the affairs of the state, the preparation of the 2024 budget for the state might suffer setbacks.
While also decrying the absence of the state in crucial national events due to the crisis, the elder statesmen disclosed that residents of the state are now facing hopelessness over the developments.
According to the communique:
“In the course of deliberations, the Ondo State Elders and Leaders observed and took note of the prolonged absence of the Governor, who is also incommunicado due to his unabating health challenges.
“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.
“Apparent confusion and helplessness of civil and public servants in the state in the absence of appropriate and clearly delineated directives Feeling of hopelessness among 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, 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”
The elder statesmen who called for prayers for the improved health of Akeredolu advised that there should be no impeachment of the governor nor his deputy governor by the House of Assembly, stressing that unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find a lasting solution to the current crisis.
They said: “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 Papa Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Femi Aluko, Korede Duyile, and Professor Olu Aderounmu, that were started two months ago and have been continuously vigorously pursued by elders, leaders, spirituals, and royal fathers in the state, should be concluded with a view to allowing true rapprochement and enduring good governance to thrive in the state.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of law and order in Ondo State.”
Ondo APC vows to reconcile differences
Against this backdrop, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, has advised political gladiators and stakeholders to be circumspect in their utterances and actions as regards the political development in the State.
A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, said that the ” faceoff between the executive and legislative arms of the state government is being critically examined by the combined teams of national and state leaderships of the party.”
It said: “The chapter is very hopeful that the situation will soon be resolved, to wade off avoidable political tension, and engender a friendly atmosphere, ahead of the governorship election.
” We express appreciation to various stakeholders, particularly the respectable elders in the state for their concerns, words of counsel, and prayers, assuring that the storm would be over soon.
“It is imperative to urge stakeholders to pursue peace with maturity and civilized conduct. Protests and violent agitations, as being contemplated by some groups, can only lead to personal injuries.
“We should be reminded that security agents would not condone destructive conduct under whatever pretence. We should be well guided.
“The ruling party commended the good people of the State for their peaceful disposition thus far, and their resolve to resist relentless efforts, aimed at dragging them into unproductive agitations.”
It applauded security agents for all the efforts and sacrifices to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. They have been commendably organized, and supportive in this regard.
