State APC denies rift with governor
The lawmaker representing Ondo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Abiola Makinde, has faulted the letter written and signed by five members of the House of Representatives from Ondo State against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The All Progressives Congress in the state has also denied having a rift with Aiyedatiwa.
Makinde said the letter did not emanate from the Ondo State Caucus in the Green Chambers.
Makinde stated that it was self-defeat for the lawmakers to protect “the dead former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who they abandoned when he was alive.”
He said the action of the lawmakers was about the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
According to him, “Therefore, it is easy to see where the truth lies in all of this. There is nothing honourable in being bonded to fight a common enemy who you think is ahead. I will never join such.
“All the allegations against him (Aiyedatiwa) were put forward in bad faith. The five lawmakers were in a hurry to nail a man who did nothing to hurt them.
“It is laughable that these lawmakers would claim that there is no unity in the party when they are the ones creating fake crises through false narratives having become threatened by the rising popularity of the governor ahead of the coming election.
“The claim that Aiyedatiwa has sidelined the chairman of the party is akin to a beer palour talk since the chairman hasn’t raised such with the party in Ondo State and Abuja. Responsible politicking is an important ingredient of peace. Where there is peace, development naturally occurs.
“I commend Aiyedatiwa if he’s able to convert the supposed enemies of his late boss to his friends. The challenge of friendship is enormous let alone inheriting another’s enemies in the name of politics. I am glad the President of Nigeria is a great example of a leader who forgives easily and accommodates those who have wronged him in his political trajectory.
“The dissolution of the state excos is the prerogative of the Governor. For the turmoil that had engulfed the state during the absence of the late Aketi, the only reasonable thing to do would be to dissolve the cabinet to allow for fresh air, and new energy and avoid sabotage.
“I can beat my chest and say this agitation is about the coming gubernatorial election and the fear of future elections. This is self-serving. It is far from expressing any love for the dead Aketi. We should all search our conscience and purge our hearts. Only God crowns a king. What will be, will be.
“If these lawmakers are scared of the popularity of the governor and how it could affect their own chances of getting re-elected in 2027, blackmailing the governor is not the best tactic. Aiyedatiwa is a man of peace who has demonstrated that he wants to work with everyone. Let my colleagues approach the governor and negotiate with him instead of blackmailing him.”
The Ondo APC while denying a rift with the governor said the allegations by some House of Representatives against Aiyedatiwa were unfounded and embarrassing.
The Ondo APC said it held discussions with Aiyedatiwa on how to further build the party and promote unity within the fold, with a view to securing victory for APC in the November governorship election.
A statement by the spokesman of the Ondo APC, Alex Kalejaiye, said Governor Aiyedatiwa never talked about personal ambition but rather expressed a desire to ensure a befitting burial for late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Kalejaiye stated that all concerns raised by the party Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, were considered by the governor.
According to the statement, “The party appreciates the two gentlemen, Honourables Abiola Makinde and Donald Ojogo, for taking time to discredit the spurious allegations put forward by their colleagues.”
“For the record, there is neither rancor nor bad blood between the Governor and the party structures in the state. The development of the chapter is the crux of all decisions and activities in the State.
“We expect party leaders, including the federal lawmakers, to key into the focus and support laudable ideas that befit nobility. For now, Ondo State does not deserve discordant tunes that betray malice and self-servicing.”
Nation
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