Deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi has charged the state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu who is battling COVID-19, to temporarily handover governance of the state to him in acting capacity pending his recovery from the disease.
Akeredolu had personally confirmed his positive coronavirus status on June 30 and proceeded on self-isolation in line with stipulated guidelines and pledged to discharge his duties virtually.
Ajayi’s media adviser, Allen Sowore in a communique on Saturday said the delay by Akeredolu to transfer governance of the state amounts to blatant contempt for the country’s constitution.
He said that the governor by virtue of his profession as a lawyer should be on the side of the law by ensuring timely transfer of power instead of delaying and negatively impacting governance I the state as a result of his incapacitation.
He issued a 21-day ultimatum to Akeredolu to ensure hand over and empower him to pilot the affairs of the state pending his recovery.
“Section 190 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is apposite in the prevailing constitutional aberration in Ondo State,” said Ajayi.
“However, it should be noted that Mr. Governor is at liberty to handover or not within 21 days after which the constitution becomes operational.
“Ostensibly, the refusal and failure of Mr Governor to handover the running of government to his deputy while he is temporarily incapacitated in self- isolation underscores his absolute disregard for our nation’s supreme document, 1999 constitution (as amended) as well as the tenets of rule of law.
“The governor’s position is a spite on Ondo State people and a direct assault on the provisions of the constitution which he swore to uphold.
“Governor Akeredolu’s deliberate mounting of obstacles to smooth running of government machinery while he’s in self isolation as a result of the fact that he has been tested positive for COVID-19 privileges the hypocritical nature of Ondo State Government’s war against the ravaging pandemic.”
Akeredolu has been at loggerheads with his deputy who recently decamped to opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He had described him as threat to governance in the state.
He pointed out that Ajayi’s status as an opposition member has made handing over to him a matter of no concern.
The deputy responded by referring to Akeredolu’s claims as an illusion and distraction from the main issue of him transferring governance.
He advised the governor to address the protracted crisis in the state’s health sector majorly doctors strike instead of dissipating energy at pulling him and his office down.
Source: Sahara Reporters