Group commends Akeredolu for peaceful resolution of Ondo Assembly crisis

ONDO Action Group (OAG), a socio-political group, has lauded Gov Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of Ondo State for the peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis in the state House of Assembly.

The group made the commendation in Akure on Friday through a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mr Kunle Aladejobi and Mr Tunde Akinniyi, respectively.

The Assembly, had on Monday, March 20, appointed a new Speaker, Mr Malachi Coker, after about two months of the closure of the Assembly following the impeachment of the Speaker, Ms Jumoke Akindele, on Jan. 27 by 13 out of the 26 members.

Akindele and other principal officers were impeached over allegation of N15 million fraud allegedly found in the possession of the Assembly’s Pay Master, Mr Makanjuola Adesina.

Adesina had told the lawmakers that the money was withdrawn on the instruction of the Speaker for a project which he failed to disclose.

The impeachment led to the closure of the Assembly by the police following a clash between some members.

Akindele and other principal officers of the Assembly on Monday resigned following the amicable resolution of the leadership crisis by the governor.

The group attributed the peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis to the genuine love Akeredolu had for the people of the state.

“The seamless resolution of this crisis is attributed to the leadership quality and wealth of experience of Akeredolu as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) coupled with his genuine love to serve the good people of Ondo State.

“OAG, therefore, appeal to the Assembly members to shun partisanship in discharging their legislative duties and work in harmony with the administration of Akeredolu in his quest to deliver dividend of democracy to the citizenry.

“We also advise aggrieved members to sheath their swords and rally round the leadership of the House for better legislative business that has been lacking for some time now.

“Akeredolu should also use this opportunity to foster good working relationship with the legislators towards providing the dividend of democracy as promised during the electioneering so as not to betray the people who voted him into office,’’ the group stated.