Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described as unnecessary and avoidable the distractions that ensued during the political logjam in the state due to the ill-health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa, who was confronted with a series of political hurdles, including an impeachment scare, in a live state broadcast 24 hours after he became the acting governor, appealed that the recent political crisis that rocked the state should be put behind.

The state’s House of Assembly confirmed Aiyedatiwa as acting governor on Wednesday after receiving a letter from Akeredolu informing the lawmakers that he would be embarking on another round of medical leave.

According to the acting governor, the state must return to the path of accelerated progress that would provide dividends of democracy to its residents.

He said: “The events that have culminated in today’s address are a watershed in the annals of our experience as a people. It is not a moment of celebration, but rather a moment of sober reflection. It is a moment for us to really appreciate the collective burden of moving our state forward. The events of the past few months have indeed challenged our love for our state and indeed democracy, which we all profess.

“Throughout the whirlwind and the storm, we held fast to our firm belief that we owe it a duty to ourselves, the people, and posterity not to allow the suspense and confusion to go on without end because of its dire implications for our development and progress in Ondo State.

“It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the profound legacies and place of our leader and father of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the Governor of Ondo State. We acknowledge the sterling leadership and character he has provided for the state.

“Mr. Governor is a transformational and courageous leader who has turned around the fortunes of the state in the last six and a half years. His records of performance are monumental, and he is here with us.

“In all facets of our development, be it governance, security, health, education, economy, infrastructure,
industrialization and others, his footprints are foundational and will serve the state at greater heights in the future.

“Above all, and as you all know, our governor has been a strong, effective, and respected voice in matters of national development, making the Sunshine State proud at all times. The state will forever be
grateful to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for driving our development so well. We are
really proud of him.

“It is in this regard that we admit with all sense of responsibility that the intrigues that ensued due to Mr. Governor’s health challenges were indeed avoidable distractions. We ought to have done better so as to keep giving Ondo State the seamless and solid governance that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, had established in the state in the last six and a-half years.”

Aiyedatiwa further stated that “as a government, we must appreciate the sovereignty of the people that voted us into office, and we regret in no unmistakable terms the toll which this whole episode has inflicted on the psyche of the people and the development of the state.

“Despite all these, my dear people, I come to you today to urge you all not to relent, as you have always done, in your prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strength to our leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Also of paramount importance is the expectation of our people that we continue to deliver on the mandate given to Mr. Governor and my humble self. We must return quickly to the path of accelerated progress that has eluded the state in the last few months.

“We must excuse unnecessary distractions. We can no longer be separated by interest or by purpose. We must stand together until the end. We must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary object of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”
[ad unit=2]