Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor of Ondo State, has apologized to the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for the political situation that emerged as a result of his absence from the state.
At a press conference in Akure, Aiyedatiwa criticized the governor’s shame and discomfort as a result of the deluge of negative news in the state in recent months.
He promised his dedication to the governor and commitment to the development of the state, and he stated that all anxieties must be calmed in order to restore peace and tranquilly to the Sunshine State.
“I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of an impeachment move against me.
“Our beloved state has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor, which gave rise to misunderstandings, misconceptions, assumptions, and insinuations and were exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.
“The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.
“It is in reference to the above that I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to Mr. Governor and the good people of Ondo State, and I assure that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance, and in good health by the grace of God.”
Aiyedatiwa who refuted all of the claims levelled against him by those eager to remove him from office before the next election, stated that he will maintain decorum in the face of those false and unsubstantiated accusations.
“We have continued to read all sorts of lies against my person in the media. None of it is true.
“There has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself, and I have never undermined Mr. Governor. This is a fabricated crisis just for the purpose of the election.
“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him. I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous, and selfless leadership”, Aiyedatiwa said.
He further distanced himself from protesting groups and individuals calling for the governor’s resignation, emphasizing that he has never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such efforts.
Aiyedatiwa thanked the APC’s national leadership for intervening in the impeachment proceedings against him and pledged his commitment to reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.
“I have a lot of respect for the Speaker, members of the House of Assembly, and members of the State Executive Council, and I do not hold any grudges.
Aiyedatiwa said “I want to appeal to all the political actors in the state to allow peace so we can all concentrate on the development of our dear state.”