…Says Aketi, Aiyedatiwa Deserve Prayers.
Renowned Constitutional Lawyer and Rights Activist, Dr Kayode Ajulo OON, has warned Ondo State politicians and public servants against political machination that can destabilise the peace and tranquillity of the State in their aspirations to succeed Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN in 2024.
The lawyer applauds the people of the State for their continued support for the Governor and also urged them to as well continue to pray for him and the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa.
“The Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa also needs the support and prayers of the people of Ondo State, particularly now, against needless political opposition he is contending with for standing in the gap in the absence of the Governor,” He said.
Ajulo made this statement while reacting to issues surrounding politicking ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the State, after he paid a visit to an Afenifere leader, on Sunday, in Akure.
He said the news about political permutations filtering out of Ondo State to other States on the 2024 governorship race is not favourable, cautioning political permutations that may arise into an undue altercation within appointees of government and unrest in the State.
“I have been privy to top and confidential information from in and outside of the State and confirmed them in few days I have been in the State. It is embarrassing to hear the excessive opposition the Acting Governor is confronting, especially from those who are supposed to be his guides.” The lawyer said.
Ajulo warned that politicians should be conscious of their actions and not throw the State into unwarranted perplexity, saying that Governor Akeredolu deserves genuine support for his administration to succeed till its last day.
He said “You cannot be a loyalist of the Government and be working against who the Governor appointed by the provision of the constitution to be in the helms of affairs in his absence because the Acting Governor’s success is the Governor’s success and vice verse. And, you cannot love the people of Ondo State and be engaging in political computations liable to disrupt the peace of the State. So, those working against the Acting Governor should understand they are indirectly working against the interests of Arakunrin Akeredolu SAN and the good people of Ondo State.”
He continued that “In case they know, the Governor himself, being an intelligent leader, understands why he trusts his Deputy with power unlike many of them doing the political manipulation. If they could recall, it was the same Governor that began touting his deputy’s ambition when he wanted to be Ondo State representative and MD of the NDDC. This should tell them that Arakunrim knows better than they imagined.
Ajulo demanded unbridged security measures for the Acting Governor, calling on security personnel to keep their watch on him for protection at all times.
“These same people even went as far as setting a narrative to trick the innocent people of Ondo State into believing that there is a problem between the Deputy Governor and the family of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN while some are planning impeachment. Though, we have their names complied already and will be published for the people of Ondo State in due time. It’s that bad that the court is approached to seek an impeachment injunction.
“We are giving them seven days ultimatum to voluntarily resign their appointments or have their names published with proof in the dailies. They must desist from their acts or resign instead of working against the success of the government from within because the peace and development of Ondo State are more paramount than their inordinate ambition.
If they could be that obsessed to get the AG out at all costs, they can result in using physical attacks. Therefore, the DSS and other government security outfits must give the AG undivided security attention at all times.” Ajulo said.
The lawyer who commended Arakurin Akeredolu for his exemplary leadership and the Ondo State Council of Obas for their firm support for the Governor, and extending the gesture to the Acting Governor, said the issues will the managed without external influence.
Ondo State has been number one in advancing the cause of fairness and transparency in government and resolving pressing issues for other States. We cannot be seen as one having the same issue and cannot solve it. We wouldn’t allow a situation where the Save Nigeria Group would occupy Ondo State to resolve the issue by protest.
“Governor Akeredolu SAN has remained steadfast in his advocacy for upholding the rule of law in government, and it is for the continued development of Ondo State and in the interest of its people that he had transferred power to his Deputy before embarking on health leave. Therefore, the AG deserves the support of the people.