The African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF) has called on members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to adhere to the rule of law over the moves to impeach the state deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The chairman governing board of AFRICOF, Dr Tunji Asaolu at a press conference in Abuja opposed the use of the legislative chambers as platforms for political witch-hunts or targeted vendettas and personality wars.

The group urged all stakeholders involved in the crisis to ensure that justice is pursued and constitutional principles are adhered to, rather than allowing personal conflicts and ambitions to overshadow the pursuit of the common good.

The group particularly drew the attention of the lawmakers to the subsisting orders of the Federal High court in Abuja that restrained the House of Assembly of Ondo State, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, the Ondo Governor and indeed other defendants in the case from taking steps that would lead to the impeachment of the Deputy Governor to buttress its position.

Expressing concern over the ongoing rift between the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and the Deputy Governor, the group stressed that such discord should not divert attention from the vital issues of good governance and the well-being of the state’s citizens.

“The neglect of governance resulting from this political crisis has had a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ondo State,” it noted.

” We condemn this negligence as needless and avoidable, and we call for an immediate refocus on matters that directly affect the state’s fortunes and the welfare of its people.

“Let it be clear – that AFRICSOF and the people of Ondo State will not give their approval to actions driven by sinister motives aimed at settling personal political scores and undermining the state and its people.

” We caution against retooling the Ondo State House of Assembly as a mere enforcement arm of executive whims. Any such action will face steadfast resistance from the people. AFRICSOF emphasises the need for increased accountability in government and a return to prioritising issues with a direct impact on the state’s prosperity and the welfare of its people.”

“We view the actions of the State Assembly as a disservice to the person and office of Governor Rotimi Akeredulu, whom in his sound mind, will not tolerate the actions of the Speaker of the State Assembly and his co-travellers.

“We want to caution politicians to desist from activities that may detribalize Nigerian democracy. We encourage them to always imbibe the tenant of democracy and observe the rule of law for the overall interest of the country.”