The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday apologised to his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his bid to end the political crises between them.
While expressing regret over the turn of events in the state, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the reports coming out of the state in the past weeks have been discomforting.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in the state stressed his unwavering commitment to the development and progress of the state
The deputy governor, who pledged his loyalty to the governor and commitment to the development of the state, said that his action was to calm the furore in order to restore peace and tranquility to the state.
Mr Aiyedatiwa said there had never been any issue between him and Akeredolu adding that at no time did he undermine the authority of the governor.
He added that some political actors had only taken advantage of Akeredolu’s absence to create a nonexistent crisis for their selfish interest.
Also, Aiyedatiwa applauded Akeredolu for his intervention and efforts in persuading the members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace a political solution proposed by ruling the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He refuted all the allegations circulating against him, which he claimed were propagated by individuals desperate to remove him from office ahead of governorship election in 2024.
Aiyedatiwa also stated that he has no affiliation with any groups or individuals organising protests or demanding the governor’s resignation, emphasizing that he has never authorised anyone to initiate such campaigns.
“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 exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.
“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 you that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance and in good health by the grace of God.”
Mr Aiyedatiwa denied all the allegations being peddled against him by those he described as “desperate to get rid of him from government ahead of the next election”.
He pledged to continue to maintain decorum in the face of those false and baseless accusations and called on all political actors to allow peace to reign in the state for the people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“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 election.
“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous and selfless leadership,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.
He thanked the national leadership of the APC for its intervention to stop the impeachment move against him, pledging his commitment to the reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.
“I have a lot of respect for the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council and I do not hold any grudge.
“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,” he said
