Fasoranti urge Tinubu, Ganduje to intervene in Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa’s crisis

The National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and some elders in Ondo State has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to urgently intervene in the political crisis rocking the state.

The elder statesmen under the aegis of Ondo State Elders and Leaders disclosed 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 Pa Fasoranti and the group’s secretary, Bakitta Bello, after an emergency meeting held in Akure, the state capital, 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.

The communique reads in parts: 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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the APC has advised political gladiators and stakeholders to be circumspect in their utterances and actions as regards the political development in the state.

According to the party, in a statement by its publicity secretary, Alex Kalejaye, the faceoff between the executive and legislative arms of the state government is currently being examined by the “combined teams of national and state leaderships of the party.”

He 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.”

The party, which lauded elders in the state for their concerns over the turn of events in the past few months, stated that “it is imperative to urge stakeholders to pursue peace with maturity and civilised conduct. Protests and violent agitations, as 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.”