Following the hullabaloo that has greeted the vote of no confidence on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by Ondo Stakeholders over his ill health, and the call for his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over the saddle in the State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the State has been grounded economically by an alleged cabal, and hijacked from the ailing Governor.

The PDP said that as the constitution stated, Governor Akeredolu ought to have transmitted power to his Deputy as the Governor had remained incapacitated for several months.

The opposition Party is however demanding that Governor Akeredolu with immediate effect transmit power to Aiyedatiwa for governance to save the state from being driven into the abyss.

The Chairman of the PDP, Ondo State Chapter, Fatai Adams alleged that the people within and outside of government were taking advantage of Akeredolu’s prolonged absence and were stealing government resources.

Though, the claim of Adams has been debunked by the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chairman in the State, Ade Adetimihin, who rubbished the PDP allegation, challenging the opposition to mention the name of members of the cabal.

Lamenting that the State has been in comatose and stand still since the health of Governor Akeredolu has deteriorated thus far, the PDP in a Statement said, “ We are deeply concerned about the ruinous cost the health challenge of the governor has bestowed upon the state, the most obvious is the emergence of a cabal, largely informal, that has seized every initiative, mindlessly driving our state into penury.

“As we speak, there is no clear leader of government business; the governor remains on his sickbed, the deputy governor is still battling for his political survival, irrespective of President Bola Tinubu’s much-proclaimed intervention and our state continues to wander in darkness. Most disturbing, however, is that our finances are suffering as hard-earned resources of the state are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government, this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing.”

The PDP has further reiterated its call for the transmit of power to Aiyedatiwa, citing the late former President Umar Yar’Adua who transmitter power to his Vice, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, so he could concentrate on taking care of his health.

Akeredolu is urged to a cue from this and do the needful.

“Much as we know, our governor is sick or at best recuperating, thus he remains missing in action and our state deserves every attention. This is why the Constitution made provisions for a period like this.

“We wish to remind Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of his admonition to (the late) President Umaru Yar‘Adua when he was ill. He (Akeredolu) said and we quote, ‘No matter how much you love your country, it should not be at the detriment of your health. It is not your party or your wife that will determine whether you are capable of handling state matters; it is only your doctors.’

“It is now crystal clear that Akeredolu’s doctors have since instructed him to stay away from his office and state, this certainly underscores the fact that he is currently not fit to handle state matters. We urge Mr Governor to please use his then advice to the late President Yar’Adua and again transmit power to the deputy governor in the interest of our dear state.”

The APC has however labeled the PDP as a drowning party, adding that the allegation was baseless.

Adetimehin said, “Adams is my friend but it is always painful to be in the opposition. I could understand his feeling, that is why he is talking for talking sake. Who is the cabal? He should be bold enough to mention them if he knows what he is saying or give evidence. It is mischievous to say the absence of Akeredolu has grounded the state, that a cabal has taken over. I want to tell you that there is no cabal anywhere.

“Their party is drowning and many of their members have openly decamped to the APC; so he is just talking to be noticed, seeking attention that is not there.”