My curiosity about my boss's health was a needless diversion, claims Aiyedatiwa

Owing to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's illness, Ondo State's acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called the diversions that resulted during the political impasse in the state needless and preventable.

In a live state broadcast 24 hours after taking over as acting governor, Aiyedatiwa, who faced several political challenges, including the threat of impeachment, pleaded for the state to move past the current political unrest.

Aiyedatiwa was officially appointed as the acting governor of the state on Wednesday by the House of Assembly, which was notified by Akeredolu's letter that he would be taking yet another round of medical vacation.

The interim governor asserts that the state needs to get back on the fast track of development that will give its citizens access to the benefits of democracy.

"The events that have culminated in today's address represent a turning point in the history of our people," he declared. This is a time for serious contemplation rather than joyous rejoicing. We should take a minute to recognize how much work it will take to advance our state as a whole. We all claim to love our state and democracy, but the events of the last few months have put that devotion to the test.

"Despite the chaos and turmoil, we remained steadfast in our conviction that we have a responsibility to the people, ourselves, and future generations to halt the uncertainty and anxiety now, as it would have catastrophic consequences for the growth and advancement of Ondo State.

"We must proudly recognize the significant contributions and standing of our state's father and leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the governor of Ondo State. We are grateful for his excellent leadership and moral guidance that he has given the state.

"Over the past six and a half years, the state's fortunes have been turned around by the transformative and brave leadership of Mr. Governor. He is here with us and has enormous performance records.

"His footprints are fundamental to the government, security, health, education, economy, infrastructure, industrialization, and other areas of our growth. They will continue to help the state grow in the years to come.

Above all, and as you are all aware, our governor has consistently made the Sunshine State proud by being a strong, influential, and well-respected voice in matters of national development. The state will always be appreciative to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for spearheading our progress with such excellence. We are quite pleased with him.

In this regard, we humbly acknowledge that the intrigues that resulted from Mr. Governor's health issues were, in fact, preventable diversion. In order to maintain the smooth and stable governance that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, had built in the state during the previous six and a half years, we could have done better.

Aiyedatiwa went on to say, "As a government, we must respect the sovereignty of the people who elected us, and we deeply regret the damage this entire incident has caused to the public's mental health and the advancement of the state.

In spite of everything, my dear people, I am here to implore you all to continue praying for our leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as you have always done, and to do so as soon as possible.

The expectation of our people that we continue to fulfill the mandate bestowed upon Mr. Governor and my humble self is also quite important. We have to get back on the fast track that the state has been avoiding for the past few months.

"We apologize for any needless interruptions. Our differences in aim and interest are no longer possible. We have to stick together all the way through. As stated in the Federal Republic of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, as amended, the primary goal of government is to enhance the welfare and security of its citizens. To that aim, we must return stronger and more resolute than before.