By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, has warned politicians and other gladiators fanning the embers of war in the state because of their political interests to thread softly as the House of Assembly will not hesitate to deploy the full weight of the law in calling them to order.
Speaking at the plenary on Tuesday, the Speaker pledged to continue to work with the other arms of government and other stakeholders towards enhancing the delivery of democracy dividends to the people of the state.
According to him, “The political event which we all have just witnessed, provided an avenue for assessment and reassessment. It was a win-win situation, thanks to the Almighty God and timely intervention of our political leaders and elders who were resolute in ensuring that peace return to our darling Sunshine State.”
Oladiji said, “I must confess that what we just witnessed was democracy at play. Democracy in my view is a form of participating government that provides for give and take, checks and balances. It is a process in which the actions and or inactions of the ruler and the ruled are guided by the constitutions and the rules of law. It is a process that provides room for questions and answers when occasions demand.
“Without any iota of doubt in my mind, I strongly believe that we all acted in line with the mandate given to us as representatives of the people.
“Our actions or inactions were governed, guided and directed by the rules of law even though futile attempts were made to blackmail and throw a spanner in our wheel as a body of lawmakers. Thank God, we all acted and spoke in one voice.
“We must in this regard thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON, for his timely intervention.
“We must also commend the leadership of our great party, APC at the state and national levels for demonstrating leadership when occasion demanded.
“Specifically, we must thank our elders and esteemed Afenifere leaders Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Seinde Arogbofa among others, for their peace initiatives at a critical time like this. “Our thanks also go to our traditional rulers, religious leaders, among other leaders of thought, for the peace that has returned to the sunshine state.
“Honestly, there can never be any iota of development in an atmosphere devoid of peace. It is my sincere hope that the good people of our darling Sunshine State will harvest more dividends of democracy and good governance within the ambit of this renewed peace in our darling State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, let me present to the good people of Ondo State, the resolution reached after the meeting of representatives of the Ondo State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council members, members of the National Assembly from Ondo State and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress with his Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leadership of our great party.
“That all parties shall embrace peace; That status quo be maintained by all parties; That all impeachment proceedings be terminated forthwith, and all court cases withdrawn by all parties; That there will no dissolution of the State Executive Council; That undated letter of resignation must be written, signed by the Deputy Governor and submitted to the President; That the party leadership and structures remains intact; That the House of Assembly leadership remains intact; That Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa continues to perform the functions of office as Deputy Governor.
“That three enforcers including the State chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the Speaker of the State of House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji Adesanmi, and Secretary to the State Government Princess Catharine
Oladunni Odu were appointed to monitor compliance with the foregoing resolution.
“Following the above; I urge everyone to sheathe the sword, bury the hatchet and think of better ways to accelerate the much needed development of our darling Sunshine State in the interest of our people.”