Ololade Adeyanju/
Ondo State deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, has debunked claims that he was planning protests in Akure and Abuja to compel Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to hand over power to him.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Babatope Okeowo, the deputy governor described the allegation as wild, and a “figment of imagination of a drowning government”.
The statement says: “The attention of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Agboola Ajayi has been drawn to another statement by the State Government alleging that the Deputy Governor is planning protests in Akure and Abuja to compel Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to hand over power to him.
“This wild allegation is the figment of imagination of a drowning government. The allegation is not only untrue but reckless and provocative as it represents an orchestrated attempt by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s government to portray the deputy governor as a man desperate for power at all cost.
“A government which deliberately twisted the interpretation of Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to mean that the Deputy Governor was demanding for the handover of power to him can do anything to whip up sentiment and remain relevant.
“It must be stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic is explicit on who takes over in a situation where the governor of a state is incapacitated or unable to discharge his duties. The deputy governor of Ondo State is a man of peace and firm believer in our nation’s constitution. Therefore H.E Agboola Ajayi does not need to sponsor any protest for a constitutional provision to be effected.
“While we are not praying for such situation to occur in Ondo State, it must be noted that the actions and utterances of some political office holders in the state is dangerous to our democracy.
“The public should take note that the latest allegation against the deputy governor of Ondo State comes few days after a Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu boasted on a radio programme in Akure that the government would do anything including taking extra-constitutional measures to impeach an elected Deputy Governor. The same spokesman had earlier issued an official release that the Governor will not handover the reins of government to the Deputy Governor because he has declared interest to govern Ondo State in another political party.
“Let it be known to lovers of democracy and good governance that if anybody is a threat to good governance, it is those who through their actions and inactions have personalised governance at the detriment of the people of the state.
“Ondo State deputy governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi continues to pray for the quick recovery of the governor so that he can return to his duty post as soon as possible. He also prays that every citizen of the state currently afflicted with Coronavirus will get well soon to the glory of God.”
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