By Ken Afor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has alleged that, currently, there is “no leader in government of business” in the state due to the health status of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP asserted that a powerful clique had obtained power within the state’s administration, which had caused economic downturn and the mismanagement of resources in the state.
Mr. Fatai Adams, the state chairman for the PDP, voiced his concerns about the circumstances, mentioning that due to the governor’s physical health problems, a lack of good authority had permitted people from within and outside the administration to use the scenario to benefit themselves, supposedly spawnining financial malpractices.
Adams implored Governor Akeredolu to assign the governance responsibility to his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, without wasting any more time due the need for effective leadership during the governor’s recuperation.
The opposition party alluded to the recommendation of Governor Akeredolu to former President Umaru Yar’Adua regarding the need to focus on health over other state matters, and stressed the importance of the governor adhering to the same advice and ensuring a smooth continuation of power by delegating authority to his deputy.
“As we speak, there is no clear leader of government business; the governor remains on his sickbed, the deputy governor is still battling for his political survival, irrespective of President Bola Tinubu’s much-proclaimed intervention, and our state continues to wander in darkness.
“Most disturbing, however, is that our finances are suffering as hard-earned resources of the state are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government; this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing,” stated Adams as quoted by Politics Nigeria.
It would be recalled, Governor Akeredolu, since his return from Germany early September, is yet to relocate to Akure, the state capital.
He is currently in his Ibadan residence in Oyo State, running the affairs of the state according to his media aide.
Aside from his health status, Akeredolu’s supporters have been at loggerheads with the Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa, following an indictment against the latter of financial misappropriation.
The State House of Assembly had threatened to impeach the deputy governor but were unable to achieve their aim.
The matter was however resolved following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asking the warring parties to sheath their swords for the sake of the state.
TheNewDiplomat had earlier reported that the deputy governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting – a sign of relative peace in government.
Also, the Assembly had withdrawn the earlier appeal against the deputy.
