The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to continue with the foundation laid by his boss and governor of the state, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, in the administration of the state.
He warned politicians in the state against heating up the polity as the state is preparing for the state governorship election, coming up next year.
Aiyedatiwa, who stated this in a statement he issued on Wednesday, also noted that there was no division in the administration of Governor Akeredolu.
According to the statement, the acting governor noted that the state was enjoying peace and tranquillity and such should not be disrupted by politics.
It was reported on Tuesday that Akeredolu wrote to the state House of Assembly, notifying it of his proceeding on a 21-day medical vacation and however handed over to Aiyedatiwa to act as governor till he returns.
Ayedatiwa said, “I note the concerns of our people about governance in Ondo State and all rumours and insinuations making the rounds in the state. Let me aver without mincing words that rumours about the disruption of government activities are misplaced and only arose as a result of impatience and lack of proper understanding of the running of the machinery of government.
“In any case, such misrepresentations and baseless allusions are to be expected when political gladiators, by their activities in the build-up to party primaries and gubernatorial elections in any state, try to heat the polity. Ondo State cannot be an exception.”
He assured the people of the state that governance was on course.
“Mr Governor has laid a solid foundation for one administration in the state and there is, undoubtedly, no politically debilitating division in the government. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, my boss, is a revered democrat who has always demonstrated his respect for the rule of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). It should be recalled that, by his usual practice, he has always transmitted power to the deputy governor whenever he proceeds on his annual vacation. This is what he has again re-enacted by transmitting power to proceed on a medical vacation,” he added.
He urged the people of the state to continue praying for “Akeredolu’s quick recovery, so that he can resume duty after his medical vacation, to continue with his good works for the betterment of Ondo State in particular and Nigeria at large.”