Amid the mounting calls for the impeachment of the governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Richard Olatunde, has disclosed that his boss has not been shirking in his constitutional responsibilities in the state.

Speaking during a radio programme that was monitored in Akure, the state capital, by The Guardian, Olatunde dismissed claims that governance in the state had come to a standstill.

According to the governor’s spokesperson, Akeredolu has been actively driving the state’s progress in various sectors since his return from a medical trip to Germany.

While addressing the insinuation that the state had been embroiled in crisis, Olatunde attributed the allegations to politicians pushing their agenda through the media.

Olatunde reiterated that despite the challenges faced during his absence for medical reasons, the governor has been pursuing the advancement of the state across multiple fronts.

He said: “This is the narrative of some individuals whose self-interest continues to drive their sudden media advocacy. What do they mean by ‘in crisis’? The people of Ondo State can attest that the government is operational and effective. How can they claim the state is in crisis? Is development halted? Are various government departments not functioning?”

“As of now, Governor Akeredolu’s administration is constructing the first-ever flyover in Akure, the state capital. Notably, no government has ever built a flyover in the state since its creation. In the past six years, this is the second flyover under this administration. The impact of the governor and the government is evident through projects that enhance people’s lives.”

“As part of the administration’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, palliatives are being distributed across the three senatorial districts. Governor Akeredolu’s government has adopted innovative approaches to distribute these relief measures.”

“After the governor’s return from his medical vacation, he approved the recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service. The recruitment process began at the Public Service Institute (PSTI) in Ilaramokin, featuring  computer-base tests (CBT) starting on October 9, 2023.”

“The Governor also approved the construction of tax stations in Ondo and Ikare, as well as a revenue court in Akure. Progress is already visible on these projects.”

“Don’t forget that it was after the governor’s return that he signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) bill into law. He has also established a team to identify LCDA headquarters. Progress is being made on this front.”

“In fact, after his return, the Governor signed the 2023 Appropriation Bill for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) into law, following its passage by the State House of Assembly.”

Responding to insinuations that the governor is incapacitated, as previously claimed by the former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, Olatunde stressed that an incapacitated governor couldn’t have received the current National Leadership of the party on a courtesy visit.

“Keep in mind that there are individuals still opposing Governor Akeredolu’s roles in establishing Amotekun and advocating for a Southern Presidency. Consider these factors when evaluating these insinuations.”

“Governor Akeredolu is not incapacitated. The governor addressed this issue when he received the current national chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The former Chairman, Adamu, didn’t contact the Governor during his treatment in Germany. It’s absurd to declare someone incapacitated without even attempting to communicate with them.”