Members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday visited Akure, Ondo State capital, to douse tension over Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s ill-health.
They were led by the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who visited Deputy Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa and Afenifere leader Chief Ruben Fasoranti.
Omisore called for amity and peace among party leaders, political office holders and government officials.
He said Akeredolu would soon return to the state to continue attending to the development needs of the people.
Ruling out any alarm, the national secretary called for prayers for the governor.
Omisore, who said he was on solidarity visit to the state, also visited the party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Working Committee, Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale, Members of the House of Assembly, commissioners, and other top government officials.
He said the national secretariat regretted the twist in the recent wish and prayer of the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for the governor.
He insisted that at no time did the national chairman say the governor is incapacitated, lamenting that some people only opted to be mischievous and reported “what they feel makes news”.
The visit, he explained, was meant to clarify Adamu’s sincere and noble statement, and put the record straight.
Omisore said,
“Mr. Chairman only urged people to pray for the quick recovery of your governor; not on account of being incapacitated.
“Our visit, therefore, is to reinforce the position of the national secretariat that we only prayed for the quick recovery of Arakunrin Akeredolu SAN, and not otherwise”, Omisore stressed.
He said the national secretariat was on the same page with the state, and would always offer support, when necessary.
Adetimehin dismissed the insinuation that the state chapter was in crisis.
He said the party was as united as ever under the leadership of Akeredolu.
Adetimehin said the state was still savouring its enviable contributions to the party’s victory at the last presidential election, adding that there was no chance for bickering.
Acting Governor Ayedatiwa thanked the visiting party leaders for their solidarity.
The National Secretary was accompanied by the Deputy National Secretary, Mr. Festus Fuanter, National Vice Chairman (North Central), Hon. Bawa Muazu and National Vice Chairman (South West), Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke as well as the immediate past Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye.