The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has raised concerns over the governance vacuum allegedly caused by the extended absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP claimed that an entrenched cabal had seized control of the government, leading to economic stagnation and resource mismanagement in the state.
The state chairman of the PDP, Mr Fatai Adams, expressed worries about the situation, stating that the absence of clear leadership due to the governor’s health challenges had allowed individuals within and outside the government to exploit the situation for their gain, allegedly leading to financial misappropriation.
Emphasizing the urgency for governance, Adams urged Governor Akeredolu to temporarily transfer power to his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing the need for proper leadership during the governor’s recovery.
The opposition leader referenced Akeredolu’s previous counsel to late President Umaru Yar’Adua about prioritizing health over state matters, underscoring the necessity for the governor to heed similar advice and enable a seamless administration by transmitting power to his deputy.
“As we speak, there is no clear leader of government business; the governor remains on his sickbed, the deputy governor is still battling for his political survival, irrespective of President Bola Tinubu’s much-proclaimed intervention, and our state continues to wander in darkness.
“Most disturbing, however, is that our finances are suffering as hard-earned resources of the state are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government; this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing,” he said.
