The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered a halt to moves to impeach the state deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as part of ongoing efforts to settle the political deadlock in Ondo State.
The party, on the other hand, has formed a reconciliation committee to break the impasse between the governor and his deputy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee led by former Kastina State governor Aminu Bello Masari on Friday, APC national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje emphasized the importance of ensuring a good working relationship between the governor and his deputy, and expressed confidence that the committee’s members, who have vast experience in public service, will be able to achieve the goal.
Ganduje said:
“As a political party, we are interested to see that there is peaceful coexistence and a good working relationship between the governor of Ondo State and his deputy.
“In order to see how we can solve this problem, it is important to set up a reconciliation committee. A reconciliation must be comprised of people who have relevant experience and cognitive knowledge on the issue before us.”
The terms and references of the Masari panel include: “To interface and engage with all contending partner(s) with a view to gathering facts and circumstances surrounding the lingering impeachment process of the Ondo State Deputy Governor.
“To advise the party on the most amicable ways of handling the lingering issues leading to the impeachment process of Ondo State Deputy Governor.
“To make necessary recommendations to the party on resolution of issues and any other matter that may come up in the course of the assignment.
“The committee has one week after its inauguration to submit its recommendation.”
Responding, Masari who expressed appreciation over the decision to select them assured that their intervention would resolve the issue between the governor and his deputy amicably.
Members of the committee includes the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, Sen Jack Tilley Gyado, Tanko Almakura, Martin Elechi, Martins Elechi and Mohammed Abubakar.