Your defense is to state assembly – Gov Akeredolu tells deputy Aiyedatiwa

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo State, has ordered Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his deputy governor, to defend himself against allegations of misconduct made by the State House of Assembly.

According to Channels TV, the governor made the comment after receiving an apology from his deputy governor.

The reply from Akeredolu was written and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Doyin Adebowale.

The governor has stated that he does not interfere with the work of the State Assembly.

The troubled deputy governor had already offered his condolences to Akeredolu for the state’s ongoing political problems.

At a news conference in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa said he was sorry that the governor had been embarrassed by the unfavourable coverage of the problem in recent months.

The deputy governor distanced himself from calls for the governor to quit over his health crisis, pledging his devotion to the governor and dedication to the growth of Ondo State.

The governor responded that he “may not be averse to embracing, cautiously, any seeming overtures impelled by genuine contrition,” which necessitated the following clarifications.

To paraphrase what was said at the press conference: “Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON does not tamper in the business of the House of Assembly of Ondo State. The Governor has never “persuaded” the “distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered” by the All Progressives Congress (APC), “in the face of an impeachment move against” the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The highest form of deference that public servants, whether elected or appointed, can pay to the people is unquestioning awe of the government institution they serve.

The Deputy Governor said the House of Assembly’s accusations of wrongdoing against him were “all sorts of lies against my person in the media.” We think it’s only fair to recommend that he present this defence before the same House of Assembly that compiled 14 counts of gross misconduct against him.

The only honourable thing to do right now is this.