The Youth Wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo has vowed to drag the state House of Assembly to court if it fails to invoke Section 189(4) of the 1999 constitution as amended.
The group said it would also sue Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for failing to resume his duties in the state.
The spokesman of the Ondo PDP youths, Tayo Oluyi, said it was crucial that the state Assembly upholds the constitutional provisions to ensure the continued and effective functioning of our government.
He said: “We have written a letter of ‘Request to invoke Section 189(4) of the 1999 Constitution on the state of health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’, to the State House of Assembly.
“And if the State House of Assembly failed in this regard, we won’t hesitate to explore other legitimate constitutional means to press our demands.
“We are ready as a main opposition party to take the governor to court, or even the Speaker if they failed to invoke Section 189(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on him (governor).
“It is also in our legal rights to take to the streets if they fail to address this because our demands are very simple. We can’t have a governor who has yet to address the citizens since he returned from his medical vacation.
“If truly the governor is fit, he should come out to address the good people of Ondo state, it should not be something that is much for him to do.
Oluyi stated: “While we do not presume the reason for his disappearance, we reference his not-too-long communication to the Ondo State House of Assembly wherein he requested medical leave. We request that Section 189(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides a framework for addressing situations where a Governor is unable to discharge the functions of the office due to health-related reasons be initiated by the State Legislative Arm.
“Given the critical nature of the responsibilities vested in the Governor, the potential implications of the state’s governance during a time of health-related incapacity, and how details of the heal condition of Governor Akeredolu has been deliberately shrouded in secrecy, leaving the people with no information. It is important a thorough assessment of the Governor’s state of health is undertaken to determine the appropriate course of action.
“It is crucial that the House of Assembly, in the interest of our state and its citizens, uphold constitutional provisions to ensure the continued and effective functioning of our government.”
However, the chief press secretary to Governor Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, said the governor has been fulfilling his constitutional duties since his return from medical vacation.
Olatunde, who spoke in a radio programme, said an incapacitated governor could not have received the current national leadership of the APC on a courtesy visit.
He said: “As part of the administration’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, palliatives are being distributed across the three senatorial districts. Governor Akeredolu’s government has adopted innovative approaches to distribute these relief measures.”
“After the governor’s return from his medical vacation, he approved the recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service. The recruitment process began at the Public Service Institute (PSTI) in Ilaramokin, featuring Computer-Based Tests (CBT) starting on October 9, 2023.”
“The Governor also approved the construction of tax stations in Ondo and Ikare, as well as a revenue court in Akure. Progress is already visible on these projects.”
“Don’t forget that it was after the Governor’s return that he signed the Local Council Development Area (LCDA) bill into law. He has also established a team to identify LCDA headquarters. Progress is being made on this front.”
“In fact, after his return, the Governor signed the 2023 Appropriation bill for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) into law, following its passage by the State House of Assembly.
Olatunde added: “Governor Akeredolu is not incapacitated. The Governor addressed this issue when he received the current National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The former Chairman, Adamu, didn’t contact the Governor during his treatment in Germany. It’s absurd to declare someone incapacitated without even attempting to communicate with them.”
“The truth of the matter is that the Governor is fulfilling his constitutional roles. If anyone asserts otherwise, ask them what’s currently left undone in the state. Workers are receiving their salaries on time, and leave bonuses have been paid. Permanent Secretaries have received brand new SUVs as official vehicles. The state is thriving.”
“Market women and artisans, who benefit from regular salary payments and leave bonuses, feel the presence of the Governor. Consider this, how often do they see the Governor in person? They primarily feel his impact when there’s increased market activity and patronage.”
“The Amotekun corps and other security agencies are functioning effectively. Free school shuttle buses are operating, and road construction is ongoing in the SIB-Alagbaka area. The construction of ultra-modern University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital complexes is nearly complete, with 250-bed facilities in Akure and Ondo.
“Those claiming that Ondo state is in crisis are merely motivated by their interests. Don’t lend credence to their statements.”
