Politics
Avert Repetition Of 1983 Post-Election Crisis In Ondo, Lawyer Writes Tinubu
An Ondo State-born human rights lawyer, Allen Sowore, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ‘looming political crisis’ in Ondo State, in order to prevent a repetition of the 1983 post-election war in the State.
Sowore made this plea in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu regarding the continued absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the State and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor,Lucky Aiyedatiwa, initiated by the State House of Assembly.
In the copy of the letter obtained by The Tide’s source, the human rights lawyer alleged that some members of Mr Akeredolu’s inner circle have taken control of governance to the detriment of the general populace in the State.
“In light of these concerns, I respectfully bring to your attention the pressing issues and the impending political crisis in Ondo State. It is evident that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN, CON), has been unwell for a considerable period.
“Mr President, we are deeply concerned and anxious because the current situation bears a striking resemblance to the 1983 Adekunle Ajasin and Omoboriowo crisis. We cannot allow that dark chapter of our history to repeat itself, especially with you serving as the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“In the light of the above, I earnestly implore you to take immediate notice and intervene in the unfolding political impasse in Ondo State before it escalates into a full-blown crisis,” an excerpt from the letter reads.
Last week, the governor’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, accused “critics” of Mr Akeredolu of instigating a crisis in the State by taking advantage of his continued absence to spread falsehood.
Mr Olatunde asserted that despite the absence of his principal, the governor was still performing and fulfilling his constitutional duties in the state.
“The truth of the matter is that the Governor is fulfilling his constitutional role. If anyone asserts otherwise, ask them what remains undone in the state…,” the governor’s spokesman stated in a live radio interview programme monitored by The Tide source in Akure.
However, contrary to Mr Olatunde’s position, Mr Sowore noted in his letter to the president that the people of the state have demonstrated immense empathy and offered fervent prayers for Mr Akeredolu’s recovery.
He mentioned that while it was encouraging that the governor was recuperating since his return from Germany, he was still unable to resume the rigorous day-to-day responsibilities of governing the state.
According to Mr Sowore, this is likely why Mr Akeredolu has yet to return to Akure, the capital of Ondo State, since his return from his medical vacation on September 7, 2023.
“The state now finds itself adrift, with the security of life and property left vulnerable to criminal elements, security agencies exercising unchecked power over citizens, and streets littered with waste and debris.
“The entire health sector is in shambles, and major roads within Ondo State are in dire need of repair. Our once-proud education system is in a state of decay.
“Members of the State House of Assembly have elevated themselves to almost divine status, insisting on proceeding with the impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, despite a valid court order to the contrary. Even the intervention of the National Executive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fallen on deaf ears,” he added in the letter.
Mr Rhodes-Vivour expressed concern over the development, saying a dangerous precedent was being set.
He said: “What we witnessed at the House of Assembly represents a troubling pattern where might is increasingly valued over right. This forceful seizure of the legislative chambers undermines the very foundations of our democracy and sends a disturbing message about how power is wielded in our state.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour criticised the ruling party in Lagos, accusing it of systematically promoting thuggery and violence over ideas.
He argued that such actions have eroded public trust in governance and weakened democratic values that should preserve the rule of law.
He said: “For too long, Lagos politics has been defined by intimidation rather than inspiration, by coercion rather than conviction. The ruling party has consistently demonstrated a willingness to use force to have its way notwithstanding the popular will of the people.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour urged Lagosians to take the current crisis as a wake-up call ahead of future elections, saying voters should prioritise candidates who demonstrate character, competence and compassion regardless of party affiliation.
“The quality of our democracy depends entirely on the quality of individuals we elect to represent us. Lagosians deserve leaders who view public office as a sacred trust rather than a platform for personal aggrandizement”, he said.
In a statement, signed by its spokesman, Mr Chika Adiele, the group warned that the judiciary would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
They expressed shock over the verdict, warning that it could disrupt the peace and development efforts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the pan-Niger Delta Youths Empowerment Forum, under the leadership of Comrade Maobu Nangi Obu, has been drawn to the shocking verdict of the Supreme Court of Nigeria ordering seizure of Rivers State’s allocation. This is nothing short of economic sabotage against Rivers people.
“The apex Niger Delta youths body is dismayed by the infantile antics of anti-democratic forces whose stock in trade is brewing crisis in a bid to topple the people’s Governor. We firmly condemn this judgement as it is against the tenet of the constitution of Nigeria.
“It is an invitation to war and against equity, justice, and fair play. We equally condemn the order nullifying the local government election as reckless and vindictive.
“Unfortunately, the justices of the Supreme Court positioned themselves as a party to the suit rather than impartial arbiters of justice.”
They urged Nigerians to note that the principle of democracy is rooted in sound constitutional pronouncements with a view to establishing justice. “Therefore, any attempt by the enemies of Rivers people to seize power by judicial fiat will be resisted by the Niger Delta youths.
“We cannot be cowed, neither shall we lay in surrender at the altar of political manipulations of rascals. We reiterate boldly, once again, that anyone, no matter how highly placed, will face fierce resistance by the majority of Rivers people,” they said.
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has appealed to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, to withdraw her suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during a live television interview on Saturday, Senator Olujimi said she does not want women to “look emotionally unstable”.
On February 20, Senator Akpabio, the senate president, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate during plenary over a change in seating arrangements.
On February 25, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
However, the Kogi senator filed a N100 billion defamation suit against Senator Akpabio over an alleged defamatory statement reportedly made by the senate president’s legislative aide.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged that her trouble in the senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Senator Akpabio.
Reacting to the development, Senator Olujimi said a senator cannot speak outside the assigned seat according to the senate rule.
The former lawmaker said the request of the Kogi senator that her senate probe proceedings should be broadcast live was a “little overboard.”
She added that the clash between the senate president and Akpoti-Uduaghan should not have been escalated, noting that the change in seating arrangements is a normal phenomenon in the red chamber.
The former senate minority leader expressed support for the probe of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “weighty” allegations against Senator Akpabio.
She said Senator Akpabio is someone who jokes a lot, adding that the senate president usually made fun of everything.
“I want to say that in the 8th and 9th senate, we never had anything like that (referring to the allegations), and Senator Akpabio was one of us.
“They treated us (female senators) with decorum. We did not have anything like that, and I have not heard anything of such from any other of the remaining senators.
“It is tough for me to be able to take that without proper investigation. There should be an investigation.
“He (Akpabio) jokes a lot. He is fond of making little fun out of everything. He loves to make everything light; when you do that, you become very vulnerable.
“I saw all that they (referring to male senators) went through as men when I was there. They were all victimised by people from outside. I had to rescue them all of the time.
“The court case, I want to appeal to her to take the case out of court. We don’t want women to look like they are emotionally unstable.
“We need to also be strong enough to face the men. Going to court against a presiding officer is not on. I know she is hurt, but she needs to handle it in a better way. I think that should get out of court as fast as possible”, Senator Olujimi said.
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