Tinubu’s visit: Aiyedatiwa, Ondo APC gov aspirants trade words

Governorship aspirants, under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress in Ondo State, have traded words with the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the state.

They accused the governor of preventing them from receiving the visit from the president to the state.

Speaking on behalf of others, the former finance commissioner and governorship aspirant, Wale Akinterinwa, said that they “were aware of plans by certain elements acting for and on behalf of the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, to prevent members of our party and leaders who are not in his camp from receiving Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in Akure.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of the Wale Akinterinwa (WA) Campaign structure , Segun Ajiboye, in Akure said that they reject the dictatorial order by the governor.

Ajiboye said that “This to us is the most undemocratic, disrespectful, unreasonable and disdainful attempt by any Chief executive in the anals of democracy in Nigeria.

“Ordinarily, we would not have responded, but based on intelligent report at our disposal that he and his supporters have perfected plans to unleach mayhem on our people both at Owo and Akure, it is necessary for us to bring this to the attention of peace loving Nigerians.

” The directive that no supporter or aspirants should come to the airport to welcome Mr President who is on a Private visit and not on State visit is a directive from ignorant minds in Alagbaka.

“It is a tradition that whenever the President visit any State, members of his party offer him their love and support by welcoming him in their droves. It does not matter whether it is election year or not.

“We reject affirmatively the directive that neither our leader, Wale Akinterinwa nor his supporters should come near the airport to welcome Mr. President. We further reject the assertion that the Governor is in charge of the President’s safety in Ondo State during this visit.

“It must also be put on record the the Airport is under Federal law supretended by FAAN. So, Mr Governor cannot give any order or lay claim to any powers he does not posses.

“The attempt by Ayedatiwa and his henchmen to prevent, intimidate, harass, or threaten our supporters and party men will not work and will not be tolerated.

“For us in WA, we are already mobilised and ready to show solidarity, love and support to our leader, mentor and Commander in Chief both at Owo and Akure.

“We State without any ambiguity that the WA phenomenon will rain focused and consistent in our pursuit of our goals towards Alagbaka in 2024. The momentum of our campaign will remain steady, peaceful and consistent.

“Let it be known that the WA team is already on ground to show the affinity we have for Mr President.

Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said that ” the President’s visit is a state affair and not a political or campaign one.

Adeniyan added that “only government officials and those accredited by the government will have the opportunity to receive the president at the airport, not a campaign crowd.