Agboola Ajayi Is Not Desperate To Get Power
The people of Ondo State will recall that I had made a Press Statement on Saturday, July 4, 2020 in response to an earlier statement by Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo in which the latter justified the refusal of Governor Akeredolu to hand over the reins of governance to his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.
In that press release, I made reference to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria in relation to the conditions which can trigger the constitutional clause on automatic transfer of power to a deputy governor when the governor is temporarily incapacitated in relation to the prevailing circumstances in the Ondo State.
The statement has since gained national traction. However, my reference to the provisions of the Constitution has been deliberately taken out of context to the effect that some National Newspapers headlines twisted the statement to mean that Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alfred Agboola Ajayi demanded that Arakunrin Akeredolu should hand over government to him within 21 days.
I wish to state without any fear of contradiction that the political flavour added to my reference to extant constitutional provision on a purely constitutional matter represents a deliberate mischief intended to portray the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi as someone who’s desperate to get power. This is far from it.
I daresay that it is the sacred duty of the media to inform the public about the correct position of law on all issues of national importance without fear or favour. Citing the provision of the Constitution does not, as in the instance case, mean the invocation of that mention or the issuance of an ultimatum.
The drafters of the constitution, relying on our country’s recent experience, have inserted relevant provisions in it to safeguard our democracy from the rule of men and their selfish interests. We are praying fervently for the quickest recovery of Mr Governor so that he can resume at his duty post as soon as possible. We insist that It is at Mr Governor’s discretion to handover the running of government or not based on constitutional provision(s). Regardless of our interests, history is recording all our actions and inactions at this auspicious time.
The Deputy Governor has always been available to carry out the onerous task of governance. But Agboola Ajayi is not in any way desperate for power as the news portrayed him. After all, power truly belongs to God and the people.
At juncture, I must mention that all the misunderstandings and misconceptiona between the Governor and his Deputy from the onset were orchestrated and amplified by desperate politicians from the Southern Senatorial District, who are surreptitiously scheming to be deputy governor.
What’s paramount to the deputy governor is good governance and the prioritisation of the welfare of the good people of Ondo State.
Comrade Allen Sowore
Media Adviser to the Deputy Governor
5th July, 2020.
