Ondo CSOs call for end to constitutional crisis
Ondo State Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (OSCOCSO) has called on the Ondo State House of Assembly to put an end to the constitutional crisis rocking the state.
It issued a two-weeks ultimatum to the Ondo Assembly to declare Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor or face mass protest.
The Coalition said the Governor’s prolonged absence from office due to ill health and the non-transfer of power to Aiyedatiwa has plunged the state into constitutional crisis.
It also the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices. and Other Related Offcence Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of theft and funds mismanagement in the state.
Executive Director, Life and Peace Development Organization (LAGDO) Franklyn Oloniju, who spoke at a joint press briefing in Akure, said it was alarming that the Ondo Assembly did not invoke relevant sections of the constitution to declare Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor even after the peace move facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.
Oloniju said the Ondo Assembly’s inaction was a dereliction of duty and a violation of Section 190 of the Nigeria’s constitution (as amended).
He stated that Akeredolu’s absence has created a vacuum in the leadership of the state, leaving the government rudderless and unable to effectively address the pressing issues facing the people of Ondo State.
According to him, “The failure of the House of Assembly to act promptly has exacerbated this crisis and is causing unnecessary hardship and uncertainty for the people of Ondo State.
“We call on the Ondo State House of Assembly to immediately redress this lacuna and own up to its constitutional duty by designating the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor. This is essential to restore normalcy, ensure continuity of governance, and protect the interests of the people of Ondo State.
“We are equally alarmed by the ongoing stories of forgery, theft of public funds, mismanagement among other malfeasance fueling public anxiety to know who is really constitutional mandated to be responsible, and give account on how the resources of the State are been managed in the absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
“Failure to correct this lacuna in the next teo week will result in mass action. The civil society organization and other well meaning organizations including individuals will be mobilized to protest at the House of Assembly until the right thing is done.
“We are using this press conference as an heads-up to the security apparatus in state to note and hold the State House of Assembly responsible for any civil action that may arise from their inaction.
“We earnestly urge the Ondo State House of Assembly to act immediately and decisively to resolve this constitutional crisis to ensure stability and good governance in Ondo State.
“We are demanding we need to have somebody we can hold responsible. Our prayers is to the House of Assembly.
“The Governor has never been the issue with civil society. He has been astute. We engage then and they engage us. We had no problem. If the governor is not available, the state should take care of him we are against reckless attitude of politician.
“We have issues when unelected officials is now telling what the Deputy should do. We did not elect them. It was in the public they said the Governor signed N7.3bn spent on palliative. We heard investors are now being scared to come to the state.”
