Resolve Political Crisis In Ondo – Clark To Tinubu

By Georgina Humphrey

An elder statesman and Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to resolve the political crisis in Ondo State.

This is contained in an open letter written to the President signed by the elder statesman in Abuja.

The statement calls for the adoption of the doctrine of necessity in resolving the dispute.

It urges President Tinubu to ensure that the Ondo state Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assumes office in acting capacity, while Akeredolu takes care of his health.

“The ongoing impasse in Ondo State can be likened to what happened when our dear late President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was very ill and did not transmit a letter to the National Assembly in accordance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, to enable the then Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to act as president.

“Mr. President, I wish to state that we have enough insecurity in the country which has largely stretched our security forces. This is why you must urgently and firmly act in the current situation in Ondo State, under a doctrine of necessity” he states.

“Let me add that beyond any constitutional provision and leadership of your political party, the APC, it is Your Excellency’s moral obligation as the father of the country to use your good office to intervene and resolve all manner of political crisis around the country”.

“The action of the Ondo State House of Assembly by going to court to prevent the National Assembly from interfering in the matters of the State House of Assembly is also escalating the issue. Every facet of Ondo State is currently sharply divided, the executive and legislative arms all have people either supporting the Governor or the deputy governor.” Chief Clark adds.

According to the statement, the state appears to be at a standstill following the inability of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to resume work three months after he returned from his medical vacation to Germany.

The president last month resolved the feud between the state House of Assembly and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, after the lawmakers resolved to impeach the latter for alleged gross misconduct.

Edited By Grace Namiji