By Julius Alabi, Akure
Apparently worried by the stagnant situation in the state, residents of Ondo have demanded that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu address them through a state broadcast so as to ascertain his fitness to rule.
The demand appears to be bipartisan as both the opposition PDP in the state, and a chieftain of APC, Dr. Akeredolu O.N, joined their voices in is asking the governor to come clean.
The PDP’s statement, signed by State Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, reads: “Our party (PDP) joins millions of Ondo State people to pray for Akeredolu’s quick recovery, but nobody should play politics with his ill-health. Nobody should ground the state beyond its present state. Let Akeredolu resign, if he is no longer fit to be governor.
According to him, as mortals, any human being can fall sick. Whether in public office or private life. Rotimi Akeredolu is employed by the people of Ondo State, maintained with taxpayers’ money. So, it is criminal and a great disservice to keep mum over his health status and his whereabouts.
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“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter, demands that, those hiding the governor should tell the people where he is to save the state from speculation.
“In 2010, when then President Umar Yar’Adua was incapacitated due to ill-health, Akeredolu was one of the most vociferous voices, calling for his resignation and allowing the then Vice-President to take over. If for whatever reason, Akeredolu can no longer discharge his official responsibilities, the most reasonable thing to do is to hand over to the Deputy Governor as required by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Since Sahara Reporters reported that the governor is bedridden and incapacitated, Akeredolu’s handlers responded by fueling public anxiety and suspicion, instead of telling the State, where exactly he is, or getting him to address Ondo State, from wherever he is on planet earth”, he said
In his statement titled “WELCOME BACK HOME, GOVERNOR AKETI” the Leader, Aketi Medical Team, 2016, Vice Chairman, Aketi-Aiyedatiwa Medical Committee, Dr. Akeredolu O.N lamented that “It’s shameful to announce Governor Aketi’s return with a 16-second voiceless video currently in circulation on social media.”
According to him, the governor was supposed to be welcomed with pomp and pageantry, similar to the arrival of the late Pa. Adekunle Ajasin in Owo from Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone, who was one of the early graduates produced by the ancient community in the 1940s.
“Since Aketi’s medical absence from Ondo State, there has been a power struggle aimed at controlling the state’s political and administrative structures. Almost everything has come to a standstill, with nothing moving.
“Arakunrin survived this period by the mercies of God because his life was at stake. Senselessly, the 16-second voiceless video used to announce his arrival is a great affront to the citizens of the state. For him to have been discharged for governance, he should be able to address the people through a recorded video, to express his gratitude to those who prayed for him in the corners of their rooms and his warriors on social media.
“For him to have been discharged for governance, he should be able to address the people through a recorded video, to express his gratitude to those who prayed for him in the corners of their rooms and his warriors on social media. Given the shenanigans surrounding his health status in the past, we want Arakunrin’s speech to the people of the state. For some of us who are doubting Thomases, it would serve as assurance and prevent any further deception.”
