By Rahaman Yusuf
The acting governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on residents of the state to pray for the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as he (the governor) embarks on medical leave.
Aiyedatiwa made this call in a statement on Wednesday, after resuming as the acting governor of the state.
The state house of assembly had on Tuesday announced that the governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, embarked on a medical leave, beginning from 7th June to 6th July, 2023 and has officially transmitted power to his deputy to act as governor till he (Akeredolu) returns.
Aiyedatiwa, in his statement, enjoined “the good people of Ondo State and all friends of our dear Sunshine State not to relent in their prayers for Mr Governor’s quick recovery, so that he can resume duty after his medical vacation, to continue with his good works for the betterment of Ondo State in particular and Nigeria at large”.
The acting governor, who described Akeredolu as a law-abiding governor, said: “Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, my boss, is a revered democrat who has always demonstrated his respect for the Rule of Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).
“It should be recalled that by his usual practice, he has always transmitted power to the Deputy Governor whenever he proceeds on annual vacation. This is what he has again re-enacted by transmitting power to proceed on a medical vacation.
“He is human like all of us. Whenever the need arises, everyone finds time to rest and take care of their health when medically challenged.”
While admonishing political actors not to disrupt the relative peace enjoyed in the state, Aiyedatiwa said: “I cannot but enjoin the political class to be guided by good conscience in the pursuit of ambition in order to sustain the atmosphere of peace and unfettered development that we have been witnessing in our dear State in the last six years.
“Service to our people should, consequently, be the ultimate goal of our politicking. The sustained welfare of our people, the success of our administration and the victory of our great party in successive elections should, therefore, be our guiding principles. Our administration shall neither be deterred nor distracted.”
The acting governor added that: “Furthermore, let me assure you that the State Government will continue to uphold and pursue the constitutional primary responsibility of government to secure the lives and property of the people of the State. We are fully committed to the mandate we are holding in trust for the good people of Ondo State.
“On behalf of Mr. Governor, l thank our people in Ondo State for your prayers, loyalty and support, while also urging you to continue to keep calm and be law-abiding as the State Government remains focused and committed to the delivery of dividends of good governance to all.”
