The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the people of the state to pray for the full recovery of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, whose health condition has been a subject of serious concern.
This comes after intense and persistent speculation in the state over the deteriorating health conditions of Mr. Akeredolu.
Recall that last week the governor was flown out of the country for medical treatment after transferring power to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The governor’s health condition had also led to speculations of a power tussle in the state and infighting in the Executive arm of the government, with the governor’s family reportedly pitching against the deputy governor.
Reacting to the continued speculations over the governor’s condition, the APC called for prayers for him and his family as the party slammed the opposition over the assumptions.
In a statement issued yesterday by its spokesperson in the state, Steve Otaloro, the APC accused the opposition of exploiting the ill health of the governor to score political points.
“The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has been battling health issues lately,” he said.
“It is pertinent to note that his health issue is not of a serious type that will prevent him from resuming his official position as Governor of Ondo State.
“Despite this, some individuals and groups have taken it upon themselves to spread false news and rumors about his death.
“It is disheartening to see that some people would wish death upon a fellow human being. Such actions are unfair and should be condemned by all well-meaning individuals.
“The opposition has also been quick to malign the Governor’s family, accusing them of not doing enough to take care of the Governor’s illness. Such accusations are falsely disrespectful, flippant, and callous.
“Engr. Ade Adetimehin, APC chairman in Ondo State, who is not happy with rumours being peddled around the health of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, appealed for support and prayer for the governor and family.
“What Arakunrin Akeredolu and the family require at this time is our support and prayers for the full recovery of their family patriarch. Arabinrin Betty Akeredolu and her children have been doing their best to take care of Governor Akeredolu.
“We must continue to pray for the Governor’s recovery and stand by the family in these difficult times. He is a good man who loves the downtrodden and deserves all the support and prayers for a full recovery from his illness.”
However, the spokesperson of the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kennedy Peretei, blamed the uncertainties surrounding the governor on the alleged ineptitude and incompetence of his media team.
Mr. Peretei, reacting to Mr. Otaloro’s statement, said, “From their handling of the health status to the infighting in their ranks, they have demonstrated utter confusion and are lacking in what to tell the people of Ondo State.”
“How can anybody in his right senses accuse opposition parties of wishing Akeredolu dead, when indeed it is those who want to take over from Akerelodu before the end of his tenure that have sparked off all this drama?” Mr. Peretei noted
“I am not surprised because the confusion in their camp is palpable.”
