Akeredolu opens up on illness, expresses readiness to complete term

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, of Ondo State, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their ceaseless prayers for his recovery, assuring them that he will be alive to complete his full tenure in office.

The governor who returned to Nigeria on Thursday has been in the news over the state of his health since he embarked on a 21-day leave on June 7 and was expected to return on July 6.

But on July 15, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s deputy, took over the running of the state, noting at the time that “Akeredolu will resume duty after being certified fit by doctors”.

The governor’s prolonged stay in Germany has raised concerns over the state of his health.

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly,Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, confirmed the resumption of the governor for duty office in Akure, the state capital.

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Oladiji said that the governor has forwarded a letter of his resumption from medical vacation to the assembly.

He noted that the governor’s action is in line with Section 190(1)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Oladiji who expressed appreciation to God for bringing the Governor back home hail and hearty, said the entire people of Ondo State are glad to see him back in office.

Meanwhile, the governor held a stakeholders meeting with members of his state executive council, party chieftains and members of the state House of Assembly.

At the meeting held at his lbadan, Oyo state residence, the governor formally handed over his resumption letter to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide, and also provided a copy to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was in attendance.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, quoted the governor to have said that ”I came back yesterday, and as you know, it was a long journey. I decided that I must meet with you today. God has answered our prayers, and we give Him all the glory.”

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The Speaker, speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, expressed gratitude for the safe return of the Governor, stating that the Governor’s return to the country is a prayer answered.

Governor Akeredolu, while meeting with members of the State Executive Council, informed them that he had presented his letter of resumption to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

He thanked the Executive Council members for their prayers and the good work they had carried out while he was away on medical vacation.

“We are now back, and we give God all the glory. I have to let members of the House of Assembly know first that we have returned.

Akeredolu also held meetings with members of the National Assembly, including Senator representing Ondo North, Senator Jide Ipinsagba; Members of the House of Representatives representing Owo/Ose, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe; Ilaje/Ese-Odo, Hon. Donald Ojogo, Idanre/Ifedore, Hon. Festus Akingbaso; Okitipupa/Irele, Hon. Jimi Odimayo and Akoko South West/South East, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati.

The wife of the Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, also joined the governor to receive the FOWOSO members.