Ondo deputy Governor, lawmakers, others embrace peace after Tinubu’s settlement of their conflict
President Bola Tinubu stepped in late Friday to bring an end to the months-long political crisis in Ondo State. His intervention led opposing factions to embrace peace and maintain the status quo.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledged to involve all commissioners and officials in the state’s affairs, while the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Oladiji Olamide, resolved to cease all impeachment moves against Aiyedatiwa.
The resolutions followed nearly six hours of discussions between the President, state officials, and members of the All Progressives Congress at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Deputy Governor assured of his commitment to unite all factions and work together for the betterment of the state.
Aiyedatiwa stated, “I pledge to embrace every one of you. I put behind all that has happened before now and I’ve let God, just as the President has advised us. No offence, no guile in my mind. Impeachment is part of politics. If you survive it, it is also politics. It is one big family and our father has intervened to bring all the children together to remain under the same family.”
He also called for cooperation within the State Executive Council to deliver the “dividend of democracy” to the people of Ondo State. Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for mutual respect and assured the party structure of their due respect.
Reading the details of the resolution, the Speaker of the House, Olamide, announced their commitment to embrace peace and maintain the status quo in various leadership positions.
The resolution came after Ondo State Elders and Leaders urged the President to intervene in the constitutional crisis and prevent a breakdown of law and order. They also called for discipline within the governing party, the All Progressives Congress.
During the past months, Ondo State faced political uncertainty as Governor Akeredolu underwent medical treatment in Germany and operated from Ibadan upon his return. In his absence, his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, faced impeachment proceedings initiated by Ondo lawmakers.
President Tinubu’s intervention also led to the withdrawal of police from the premises of the Ondo State House of Assembly.