Two issues have combined, probably more than any other, to heat up the polity as the two leading political parties prepare for the primaries.
Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Alfred Agboola Ajayi’s refusal to resign his position after defecting to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress’ decision to adopt indirect mode of primary election have combined to heat up the state’s political theatre as the two leading parties prepare for their primary elections, reportALTHOUGH many had predicted an intriguing electioneering campaigns during this year’s governorship election in Ondo State, only a few could have...
The Chief Judge in her response rejected the request on the ground that the two-third majority required by the 1999 Constitution for setting up of such a probe panel was not formed in the House of Assembly and that the matter was subjudiced. But the forces against the deputy governor are more than just members of the state assembly and he is yet to be saved from being removed from office.
The protesters vowed to occupy the State House of Assembly complex should the lawmakers fail to impeach the deputy governor in the next seven days. He insisted it would be honourable for the deputy governor to resign or be impeached by the State House of Assembly. Now that he chooses to defect, the party advises Agboola to tow the path of wisdom, and resign honourably as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Ondo State APC wishes him and his followers a safe trip to the People’s Democratic Party . We will, however, be willing to reabsorb them whenever they opt to retrace their steps.”But it appears Ajayi is not alone in his struggle to remain in office while being a card carrying member of the opposition party in the state.
According to reliable party sources, the national leadership of the party recently warned one of its officials in the southwest who made a statement to the effect that Ajayi should quit his position as a matter of honour. Ondo South PDP Youth Forum, headed by Comrade Akin Edema, asked the federal government to ensure that both Ajayi and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akeredolu, are not stampeded by the Governor Akeredolu-led government as regards the ongoing impeachment moves against the deputy governor.
Personally, Ajayi has continued to dismiss any talk of him resigning from the cabinet of Governor Akeredolu. According to Ajayi, who confirmed that he is in the PDP to stay irrespective of what becomes of his gubernatorial ambition, he was elected by the people, and he is still serving their mandate.
According to the Deputy Governor, “this will go a long way to preserve our democratic gains, restore the dignity of the legislature and the principle of separation of power”. “The deputy governor is humbled by the epochal decision, and reinvigorated to continue to stand for the good of the people as arrow head of the move to return government to where it rightly belongs; the people of Ondo State.
The pro-impeachment lawmakers described the move as wishful thinking on the part of Ajayi. According to the lawmakers, Ajayi should use his purported majority of the members of the Assembly loyal to him to remove the Speaker.The lawmakers, who spoke through the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olugbenga Omole, stated that Ajayi was making unsubstantiated allegations.
One of the chieftains that argued that way just before last week’s resolution is the pioneer State Chairman of APC and former Secretary to Ondo State Government , Hon lsaacs Kekemeke. Direct primary provides level playing ground for all aspirants and therefore promotes fairness, equity and justice. It removes influence of money, eliminates cash-and-carry and removes ‘kidnap syndrome’ whereby delegates are kidnapped and kept in a place.”
Any politician who asks for the disenfranchisement of his party members is unpopular, undemocratic and should be rejected,” he said.For example, 11 APC governorship aspirants in the state openly rejected the indirect mode of primary for selection of the party’s candidate on July 20 when they sent a protest letter to the party’s Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee .
In the two-page letter, signed by Joseph Olusola Iji, Odimayo Okunjimi, Olayide Owolabi Adelami, Issacs Kekemeke, Olusola Oke, lfeoluwa Oyedele and Olajumoke Olubusola Anifowoshe; Awodeyi Akinsehinwa Akinola Colinus, Olubukola Adetula, Dr. Abraham Olusegun and Dr.
“It will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants and assist in no small measure in mobilising party members to own the candidature of whoever emerges from the process. They said among others: “That we find it appalling that out of 12 aspirants contesting in the primaries only one person is seriously rooting for indirect primary.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ondo 2020: APC insists on indirect primary''We expect aspirants to accept primaries' outcome in good faith,'' says Mr Mala Buni.
Read more »
Edo 2020: LG vice chairman alleges threat to life over refusal to join PDPThe Vice Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr Fred Aimienwanwu, has raised the alarm on threat to his life and family over his refusal to defect from the All Progressive...
Read more »
Ondo APC, PDP: Gripped by primary fever - The Nation NigeriaThe Ondo State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have been thrown into governorship primary fever....
Read more »
PDP chieftain, group seeks disqualification of Ondo Deputy GovernorA chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Barrister Konstante Timi Olopele, has asked an Akure High Court to disqualify..
Read more »