Union appeals to Gov. Akeredolu to halt impeachment process against deputy
The Union of Ikale Indigenes in Ondo State on Tuesday appealed to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to halt the impeachment process by the House of Assembly against their son, the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The union’s appeal is contained in a statement signed by Mr Omowole Omogoroye, its president and made available to newsmen at Okitipupa, Ondo State.
The Ondo State House of Assembly began impeachment process against the deputy governor a week ago over allegation of gross misconduct while he was acting governor.
The union noted that Aiyedatiwa had been a diligent, dutiful and loyal partner in Gov. Akeredolu’s administration even when the latter was away on medical leave abroad.
It stated that Akeredolu should note that he received total support from Ondo electorate and divine favour to return from his medical leave.
It added that Aiyedatiwa faithfully represented Akeredolu, projecting and executing the latter’s responsibilities and serving the people of Ondo State with utmost dedication.
“His unwavering commitment to you has been instrumental in achieving the numerous milestones and progress witnessed during your tenure to date.
“Impeaching such upright and dutiful deputy in the face of all forms of official suffocations, regardless of his misdeeds, if any, will undoubtedly be perceived as an act of ungratefulness and vendetta.
“It tarnishes the image of the administration and undermines the trust and faith placed in your leadership hitherto.
“This will create a sense of disillusionment in the populace; diminishing public confidence in your government and its ability to govern effectively,’’ the union stated.
It noted that the impeachment had the potential to ignite unrest and the breakdown of law and order within Ondo State and beyond.
“Your Excellency, such turmoil can reverberate throughout the entire Nigerian polity, unsettling the stability and harmony of the nation as a whole.
“We implore you to consider the repercussions of allowing the impeachment to proceed.
“We beseech you to use your wisdom, leadership, and influence as the face of Ondo State to bring an end to this provoking and unfortunate situation.
“Embracing reconciliation, dialogue, and fostering a spirit of unity will preserve the stability of Ondo State, and also set a remarkable example for the entire nation,’’ it added.
The union pledged its support for Akeredolu’s administration and its faith in his ability to navigate challenging times.
“Your esteemed leadership has always championed unity, progress, and well-being of the people and we trust that you will act in the best interest of Ondo State by preventing this impeachment process from unravelling.
“We call on you to disabuse your mind of whatever animosity evil perpetrators may have meticulously calibrated against your deputy to curry favour for the nourishment of their selfish interests and egos.
“We firmly believe that by fostering harmony, maintaining a steadfast commitment to democracy, and preserving the peace within Ondo State, we can continue on our path of growth, development, and prosperity.
“Your government has showed significant impression to inculcate a new approach to sustainable democratic governance and this spirit of project continuity already witnessed, should not be jeopardised by leadership rivalry,’’ it stressed.
Meanwhile Aiyedatiwa has approached the state’s High Court in Akure to stop the impeachment process.
In the suit, AK/348/2023, filed on Monday by Mr Ebun Adegoruwa (SAN), the embattled deputy governor asked the court to stop the impeachment process pending the determination of a suit he filed earlier.
Defendants in the new suit are Ondo State government, Gov. Akeredolu, Ondo State House of Assembly, Speaker of the house, Mr Olumide Oladiji; the Clerk and the Chief Judge of Ondo State.
In the suit, Aiyedatiwa sought the court’s injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies and representatives from interfering, restricting, disempowering or preventing him from discharging his Constitutional duties as deputy governor.
He argued that this was necessary because he was duly-elected on a joint and equal ticket with Gov. Akeredolu.
He also sought the court’s order to the state government to reinstate and restore all the rights and privileges attached to or accruing to his office as a duly-elected deputy governor.
These, he submitted, included, but not limited to the restoration of all media aides and press crew attached to his office as the deputy governor of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa also sought “an order setting aside any purported process or notice of any allegation of gross misconduct against him on the ground that such process or notice is a violation of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.’’
