‘A disservice to Akeredolu’ — CSO kicks against move to impeach Aiyedatiwa by Ondo assembly

The African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF), a civil society organisation (CSO), says the move by the Ondo house of assembly to impeach Lucky Aiyedatiwa, deputy governor of the state, is a disservice to Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor.

Last month, the state assembly commenced an impeachment process against the deputy governor over allegations of abuse of office.

The assembly asked Olusegun Odusola, chief judge of the state, to set up a seven-member panel to investigate Aiyedatiwa over the allegations.

Aiyedatiwa has filed processes in court to block the assembly’s move.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Tunji Asaolu, chairman of the governing board of AFRICSOF, said the move by the assembly would be resisted by Ondo residents.

“We caution against retooling the Ondo state house of assembly as a mere enforcement arm of executive whims,” Asaolu said.

“Any such actions will face steadfast resistance from the people. AFRICSOF emphasizes the need for increased accountability in government and a return to prioritising issues with a direct impact on the state’s prosperity and the welfare of its people.

“We call upon all stakeholders, both within and outside of Ondo state, to join us in safeguarding the principles that underpin our democracy, ensuring that Ondo State thrives as a beacon of good governance.

“We view the actions of the state assembly as a disservice to the person and office of Governor Rotimi Akeredulu who in his sound mind, will not tolerate the actions of the speaker of the state assembly and his co-travellers.”

Asaolu said the judiciary must protect the country’s democracy.