The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is intervening in the ongoing political imbroglio in Ondo State over the move by the House of Assembly to impeach Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.
The National chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Friday in Abuja, announced the set up of a nine-man committee to mediate in the ongoing political face-off in the State.
The committee is headed by the immediate past Katsina Governor Bello Masari.
The intervention is coming on the heels of an order by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the Ondo House of Assembly from impeaching Aiyedatiwa.
The court also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy Governor and forwarding the same to the lawmakers for approval, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Edwin Olofu in Abuja on Friday said the committee is to step into the matter immediately.
Olofu further said that the committee is empowered to intervene and see to the peaceful reconciliation of all parties involved.
The statement reads,
“The National Secretariat of the Party is concerned about the unfortunate political situation in Ondo State, which if not quickly averted, may lead to further disaffection among the party.
“Therefore, to avert the misunderstanding, and after critical observation of the situation, the National Secretariat has decided to wade in, to foster a better understanding that may likely lead to an amicable resolution.
“In light of the above, the National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, has set up a 9-man Committee under the able leadership of the erstwhile Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, to not only intervene but also see to the peaceful reconciliation of all parties involved.
“The Party therefore assures all and sundry, that through this Committee, it will interact and dialogue with all the stakeholders in the state, based on mutual respect, to find a lasting solution.
“The National Secretariat urges all parties to remain calm and extend all the necessary cooperation and support to the Masari-led Committee.”