Recently, Governor Akeredolu received a courtesy call from a few governors from the southwest states of Nigeria in Ibadan.Under the auspices of the PDP Forever Initiative, a number of opposition party chieftains and support organizations have given Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu a 72-hour ultimatum to transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The group voiced worry over the Governor's extended absence from office owing to illness at a news conference in Abuja, where they made their demand. They maintained that his absence is impeding the efficient operation of state affairs by leaving a leadership void.
According to Hon. Obande Gideon Obande, National Coordinator of PDP Forever Initiative, the organization is worried about Governor Akeredolu's health rather than his ability to lead. He underlined that in order to maintain continuity of government, the governor must cite the rules of the constitution and transfer authority to his deputy.
The gang threatened to take the Ondo State Government House in order to enforce their demands if Governor Akeredolu disregarded their warning. Additionally, they charged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had not demonstrated sufficient leadership at the federal and state levels.
Hon. Obande went on to say that in comparable circumstances, the PDP has a record of maintaining constitutionality and guaranteeing effective government. He brought up the illness of former President Umaru Yar'Adua and the party's choice to designate Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President as an example.The purported influence of non-state players, especially those close to Governor Akeredolu, on the administration of Ondo State affairs was also condemned by the organization. They said that these people were making things worse in the state and hindering the Deputy Governor from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities.
PDP Forever Initiative reaffirmed its dedication to supporting constitutional upholding and good governance. Regardless of party background, they urged all Nigerians to stand with them in demanding accountability and transparency from those in positions of authority.
The political unrest in Ondo State has intensified further as a result of the group's ultimatum to Governor Akeredolu. Whether the Governor will give in to the group's demands or if things get worse is still up in the air.