Members of Rotimi Akeredolu’s Executive Council have given him a vote of confidence as the governor of Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. Thirty-one of them signed the declaration endorsing his ability to manage the state going forward.
However, the document was not approved by two commissioners: Akinwumi Sowore (Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives) and Rasaq Obe (Energy, Mines, and Mineral Resources).
Since his return from a medical vacation in Germany on September 7, Governor Akeredolu has been managing state business while recovering in Ibadan.
It is thought that his estranged deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is expected to be impeached by the House of Assembly due to claims of gross misconduct, is continuing to reside in Abuja.
Members of the Executive Council said they decided in support of Akeredolu’s policies and programmes encapsulated in the ‘Redeemed agenda.’
They said: “As Mr Governor’s foot soldiers, we take immense pride in being under his leadership. Witnessing his dedication, sleepless nights, and commitment to protecting and serving the people of the state, despite numerous challenges in the past, is truly admirable.
“His leadership embodies compassion, vision, and commitment to development, progress, and peace
”In Ondo State today, we are reaping the benefits of Mr. Governor’s courage. The Amotekun Corps, a product of Mr. Governor’s determination, has become a celebrated innovation in the security architecture of the state and the Southwest in general. Since security is the primary objective of any government, the existence of Amotekun is a testament to Governor Akeredolu’s visionary leadership.
”Popularly referred to as “Mr. Road” or “Mr. Infrastructure,” these appellations reflect the administration’s giant strides in infrastructural development. Since assuming office, Mr. Governor has demonstrated a clear passion and dedication to bridging infrastructural gaps in the state.
“Over the past six years, significant growth and progress in infrastructural development have been recorded, including the construction of two unprecedented flyovers.
”Under the leadership of our amiable Governor, the government has taken a significant leap in the health sector. The construction of 250-bed ultra-modern teaching hospitals in Akure and Ondo respectively has reached an appreciable level. Mr. Governor has made substantial strides in the health sector, with the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo benefiting from the administration’s commitment to its development.
”Therefore, we unanimously declare our unflinching trust in Mr. Governor and endorse his impactful leadership. As a united front, we remain steadfast in our support for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and pledge to continue working collaboratively towards the advancement and prosperity of the state. We express our gratitude to Mr. Governor for his selfless service and courageous leadership.”
But, the Commissioner for Energy, Mines and Mineral Resources, Obe said in a statement that he would have signed if he had seen the document before he travelled to Lagos.
Sowore, who is Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives said a vote of confidence by his colleagues made no sense to him.
He said: “ I’m not around in the state. The vote passed by the members of the cabinet in the state in a situation like this does not count, because, in the first place, we are the appointees of Mr. Governor. We can’t even say that we don’t have confidence in him. Anybody who doesn’t have confidence in the government has to resign.
“By pushing a vote of confidence, as far as I’m concerned, does not make sense. We don’t have the power to remove the governor as a member of the cabinet.
“So, passing a vote of confidence in the governor, in the first place, does not add anything to Mr. Governor. So, it is the work of those desperate politicians in the state to create a crisis when there is no crisis.”
Also yesterday, a Coalition of Civil Society Organisation for Democracy (CCSOD) complained about Akeredolu’s continued stay outside the state, asking him to either move to Akure, the state capital or hand over to his deputy.
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