Renowned constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, has strongly criticised the internal wrangling among Ondo State political appointees and politicians, warning them against using Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s health condition as a means to bring disrepute to the image of the government and good people of the State.
Ajulo spoke in a statement on Thursday just days after Akeredolu wrote the State Assembly to extend his sick leave.
In the statement, Ajulo described the actions of the politicians and appointees as a national embarrassment and a result of an unhealthy thirst for power that hinders effective collaboration in the Governor’s absence.
He said: The recent issue surrounding a statement attributed to the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, and the subsequent correction made by the party’s national secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was indirectly caused by the actions of these individuals.
“If the government’s internal affairs were well managed and in order, such an incident would not have occurred.”
Ajulo emphasised that Ondo’s appointees and politicians should refrain from capitalising on Governor Akeredolu’s health challenges to create chaos in the state.
He also urged the Acting Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, to restore stability and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.
While acknowledging that anyone is entitled to run the government within the confines of the law, Ajulo stressed that Ayedatiwa is constitutionally responsible for governing the state in the absence of akeredolu.
He called on the Acting Governor to fulfil his constitutional obligations and rescue the state from its current state of disarray.
He said: “The 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowers the Deputy Governor to assist the Governor in carrying out primary duties and allows for their replacement in the event of the Governor’s death, impeachment, absence, or illness.
“Thus, anyone impeding the Acting Governor from fulfilling his constitutional duties is acting against the law.”
Expressing concern for the people of Ondo State, Ajulo insisted that their welfare should take precedence over any political manoeuvrings ahead of the 2023 election.
He criticised certain politicians who claimed to act out of loyalty to the Governor while neglecting the interests of the people.
According to Ajulo: “Governor Akeredolu is known for his commitment to scholarship, activism, and transparency, and it would disappoint him to witness how some of his appointees have prioritized personal gains over the welfare of the state.
“It is appalling to witness how they scramble over themselves, claiming they are demonstrating loyalty to the Governor, while what is paramount is their allegiance to the dictates of the constitution and the people.
“Even the Governor, in turn, prioritizes his loyalty to the constitution and people above all else.”
In response to his outspoken condemnation of the political developments, Ajulo revealed that he has faced numerous threats and character assassination attempts.
However, he said he remains resolute in his commitment to advocating for an egalitarian society that upholds the rule of law.
Ajulo dismissed these threats as the tactics of a cowardly and faceless cabal, emphasising that he has encountered adversaries of greater strength in the past.
He added: “I have faced physical threats and remained unperturbed; just a brood of chicken wasting their time threatening a fox.
“Those behind the threats and misinformation campaigns are driven by blackmail.
“Previously, they targeted Governor Akeredolu’s wife and children, blackmailing them to hinder what they perceived as their involvement in government.
Also Read:
- Honour late Humphrey Nwosu posthumously, INEC chairman urges FG
- Five UNIOSUN students killed in ghastly auto accident
- Erotic Monday Night: Fun time on Lagos beach, by Tiwa Says
- AFRIMA partners BridgeAfric, UNESCO for Lagos global music workshop
- Naira-for-crude policy poses risks to FDIs, exchange stability, DAPPMAN cautions
“Now, they have falsely accused the Acting Governor of delving into his boss’s financial records.”
He further stressed that any assault on the Acting Governor amounts to treason, aligning himself with the stance of the Nigeria Bar Association, Akure Branch as expressed by Chairman Banjo Aiyenakin.
Ajulo expressed confidence that the people of Ondo State would soon see through these deceptive tactics and recognise the true nature of those involved.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
