The leader of the Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has asked President Bola Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to urgently intervene in the current political logjam in Ondo State.
Pa Fasoranti, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje, said that their intervention would end the present constitutional crisis in the State.
The Afenifere leader who convened a meeting of Ondo State Elders and Leaders on the current political logjam in the State, added that their intervention would “ avoid the looming breakdown of law and order, following the prolonged absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu due to his unabating health challenges”.
A communique signed by Pa Fasoranti and Dr Bakita, said that the “misinformation about 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”.
In attendance at the emergency meeting included traditional, religious and professional leaders, market women, the academia and other notable stakeholders in the State.
Pa Fasoranti lamented the “ Failure of the National Ruling Party and the Executive Arm of Government to nip the matter in the bud before its escalation”.
He observed the “ apparent confusion and helplessness of civil/public servants in the State in the absence of appropriate and delineated directives;
“Feeling of hopelessness of 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.”
Pa Fasoranti however, called for prayers for the improved health of the governor, noting that without doubt, his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the state.
He said “All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solutions to the current crisis.
“The rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.”
Pa Fasoranti, also called on the state and national leaderships of the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State has advised political gladiators and stakeholders to be circumspect in their utterances and actions as regards the political development in the State.
A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, said that the “ faceoff between the executive and legislative arms of the state government is being critically examined by the combined teams of national and state leaderships of the party.”