Politics
Avert Repetition Of 1983 Post-Election Crisis In Ondo, Lawyer Writes Tinubu
An Ondo State-born human rights lawyer, Allen Sowore, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ‘looming political crisis’ in Ondo State, in order to prevent a repetition of the 1983 post-election war in the State.
Sowore made this plea in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu regarding the continued absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the State and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor,Lucky Aiyedatiwa, initiated by the State House of Assembly.
In the copy of the letter obtained by The Tide’s source, the human rights lawyer alleged that some members of Mr Akeredolu’s inner circle have taken control of governance to the detriment of the general populace in the State.
“In light of these concerns, I respectfully bring to your attention the pressing issues and the impending political crisis in Ondo State. It is evident that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN, CON), has been unwell for a considerable period.
“Mr President, we are deeply concerned and anxious because the current situation bears a striking resemblance to the 1983 Adekunle Ajasin and Omoboriowo crisis. We cannot allow that dark chapter of our history to repeat itself, especially with you serving as the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“In the light of the above, I earnestly implore you to take immediate notice and intervene in the unfolding political impasse in Ondo State before it escalates into a full-blown crisis,” an excerpt from the letter reads.
Last week, the governor’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, accused “critics” of Mr Akeredolu of instigating a crisis in the State by taking advantage of his continued absence to spread falsehood.
Mr Olatunde asserted that despite the absence of his principal, the governor was still performing and fulfilling his constitutional duties in the state.
“The truth of the matter is that the Governor is fulfilling his constitutional role. If anyone asserts otherwise, ask them what remains undone in the state…,” the governor’s spokesman stated in a live radio interview programme monitored by The Tide source in Akure.
However, contrary to Mr Olatunde’s position, Mr Sowore noted in his letter to the president that the people of the state have demonstrated immense empathy and offered fervent prayers for Mr Akeredolu’s recovery.
He mentioned that while it was encouraging that the governor was recuperating since his return from Germany, he was still unable to resume the rigorous day-to-day responsibilities of governing the state.
According to Mr Sowore, this is likely why Mr Akeredolu has yet to return to Akure, the capital of Ondo State, since his return from his medical vacation on September 7, 2023.
“The state now finds itself adrift, with the security of life and property left vulnerable to criminal elements, security agencies exercising unchecked power over citizens, and streets littered with waste and debris.
“The entire health sector is in shambles, and major roads within Ondo State are in dire need of repair. Our once-proud education system is in a state of decay.
“Members of the State House of Assembly have elevated themselves to almost divine status, insisting on proceeding with the impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, despite a valid court order to the contrary. Even the intervention of the National Executive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fallen on deaf ears,” he added in the letter.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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