Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has disagreed with state’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Otito Atikase.
Atikase, in a post on his verified Facebook page, asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to call the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, to order.
He was silent on his reasons but said he would not sit by and allow anybody to destroy the All Progressives Congress(APC).
According to him: “With our unwavering commitment to the development and growth of this state and the party alike, some of us will not sit idly by and allow anybody to destroy our party and government, both at the federal and state levels. I won’t say more than this for now.”
But Aiyedatiwa said comments of Atikase undermined the principles of governance and the chain of authority.
Speaking through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Allen Sowore, Aiyedatiwa said he was a member of the Advisory Committee of the NDDC.
According to the statement: “When a part-time board member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) issues directives to an elected Governor—particularly the Governor of the very state he represents on the Commission—it is not only overreaching but deeply inappropriate.
“It is sheer recklessness and an act of unpardonable insubordination for a government official to issue warnings to the Governor, as well as the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of a state. Such actions undermine the principles of governance and the chain of authority.”
In his reaction to Atikase, Ajulo said: “I express my gratitude to the Ondo Representative in the NDDC for advice. You see, the governor, being the appointing and convening authority as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the state, possesses the power to hold his appointees accountable. I am one of them and I am of the opinion that he has been fulfilling this responsibility with great diligence to further the progress of the State.”
Meanwhile, Rotimi Oyeneyin, the media aide to Atikase said his boss’ message has been misrepresented.
He noted: “To begin with, it is crucial to note that Hon. Atikase did not issue a directive to the Governor. Rather, he offered a sincere piece of advice as a concerned party leader, stakeholder in the APC, and a public-spirited individual who desires the continued harmony and effective governance of Ondo State. His advice was well-intentioned and aimed at safeguarding the relationship between Ondo State and the presidency. To suggest that Hon. Atikase’s advice was in any way an attack on the Governor is utterly disingenuous.
“More importantly, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, the Attorney General of Ondo State, should be cautioned on his public remarks about the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly in light of the imbroglio involving him and a group of Akoko youths. It was practically needless for Mr. Ajulo to drag the Honourable Minister of Interior, Mr. Tunji Ojo into the ugly face off he had with a group of Akoko youths. We should avoid politicizing every issue, especially in a manner that could create divisions within our party.”
He therefore stressed: “Mr. Sowore’s response seems to downplay the significance of this issue. It is extremely imprudent, and indeed reckless, for any government official, especially one of Mr. Ajulo’s stature, to publicly criticize or engage in any form of verbal onslaught on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is an affront no responsible leader should take lightly.
“Atikase was simply advocating the avoidance of actions that could create a rift between the Ondo State Government and the federal government and to safeguard the larger interests of the state. Of course, the political climate demands careful diplomacy, particularly when it comes to matters involving the presidency.
“It is important that we maintain peace, unity, and cooperation within the ranks and files of the party. Mr Kayode Ajulo’s actions could potentially create unnecessary enemies for the Governor and this should be avoided. The suggestion that the Governor should caution his Attorney General is obviously a constructive suggestion aimed at protecting the political cohesion of Ondo State. Besides,this is a critical time for the Ondo State Government to be more focused on infrastructural development and economic growth of the state rather than fanning the ember of crisis.
“It is also important to understand that the Governor of a state and an appointee of the federal government agency are partners in progress rather than a servant master relationship.
“Finally, I wish to remind Mr. Sowore that Hon. Atikase, in all his engagements, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the success of the Ondo State Government and the APC. His advice to the Governor was offered with a spirit of collaboration, and it is unfortunate that this constructive suggestion has been mischievously misrepresented.
“I would like to urge all well-meaning individuals to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace, unity, and good governance in Ondo State. It is only through constructive advice and responsible actions that we can continue to build a prosperous future for our state.”
