Despite failed health, Tinubu asks Akeredolu to continue governing from Ibadan
President Bola Tinubu has given his nod to the continuation of leadership of ailing Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo State. He has been away from the state for five months now, partly to receive treatment in Germany and later to recuperate in Ibadan.
Political crises have engulfed the sunshine state since his return from his medical trip. He made attempts, using the Ondo State House of Assembly, to remove his deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who stood his ground and outsmarted his boss.
Upon the indications that loyalists of the deputy governor would declare him as acting governor, Tinubu summoned a meeting of all stakeholders including the lawmakers, APC leaders.
In 2010 Nigeria faced a similar scenario when ex president Umar M Yar’adua couldn’t perform his roles. He was supposed to transfer power to his then vice Goodluck Jonathan. But he didn’t, of course believing that he would return to the country. Jonathan later became acting president when the federal lawmakers rose to the occasion.
Bola Tinubu is a student of political history, no doubt. But he seems to have put his party’s interest ahead of the interests of the Ondo populace. It’s crystal clear that Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu couldn’t perform his statutory roles. As a senior advocate of Nigeria, he should transfer power to his deputy while he attends to his health.
After the Saturday’s meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja, the spokesperson for the president, Ajuri Ngalele, said that status quo would be maintained in Ondo State. Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa had to pledge his allegiance to his absent principal.
Ondo people need the presence of their governor. Development of the state couldn’t be decided from Ibadan, which is several kilometers away from Akure, the seat of power in Ondo State. That’s what Bola Tinubu ought to have considered.
Akeredolu ought to have been allowed to rest. It’s crystal clear that he couldn’t carry on. Then, why should he still be told to continue to govern from Ibadan?
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