Akeredolu Tells Appointees To Resign In 48 Hours If They Want To Contest Elections

For political appointees in Akeredolu’s government who are aspiring to either run for elective positions in 2023 or serve as delegates in the forthcoming primary election of the All Progressive Congress, this is indeed, a moment of dilemma.

They have between now and Thursday to either tender their resignation letter or dump their ambitions.

This new directives was contained in a memo signed on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Princess Oladunni Odu.

The memo literally confirmed the seriousness of governor Rotimi Akeredolu to the business of governance in Ondo State. It is either they stay in the government and serve the people of the state or resign and pursue their aspirations.

Before now, it has been rumoured that several of the governor’s appointees are warming up to throw their hats in the ring and test their popularities in their different local governments and constituencies in the forthcoming elections.

Among those aspiring to contest the election is the state commissioner for information, Donald Ojogo who is believed to be nursing the ambition to contest for the House of Representatives to represent Ese Odo Federal Constituency where he comes from.

Sources revealed that aspirants from the governor’s cabinet are waiting for Akeredolu’s endorsement and supports before they can embark on the uncertained political journey. 

It was gathered that many of them are not sure of what may happen if they failed to win their elections. Their cases became more complicated with the prolonged absence of the governor from the state.

In the last two weeks, Akeredolu is said to have been away from the state while his Deputy, Honorable Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been in charge of the state affairs, acting as governor.

Some days ago, it was reported that the governor was out of the country for medical vacation. 

But in a swift response to the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olabode Richard who confirmed that the governor was out of the country disclossed that his being away has nothing to do with his health. He noted that the governor is hale and hearty.

The Tuesday memo from the SSG office was however said to have sent a shiver down the spines of the appointees who are aspiring for elective positions or want to serve as delegates in the primary election as they now have till Thursday April 14th to resign.

The memo reads in part: 

“In line with the provisions of section 84 (12) of the electoral act 2022, Political and Public office holders desirous of participating in electoral process either as contestants for elective positions or as delegates should resign their appointment on or before Thursday 14th April 2022.”

“This is for your information and strict compliance.”