Posted by By Adedayo Aminu, Deputy chief Sub-Editor on
STRONG indications emerged weekend that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun a move to reconcile Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State and his deputy, Chief Abiodun Aluko, who are at each other's throat for the second time in six months.
LAGOS - STRONG indications emerged weekend that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun a move to reconcile Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State and his deputy, Chief Abiodun Aluko, who are at each other's throat for the second time in six months.
Speaking exclusively to Vanguard in Lagos, National Vice Chairman, South-West of the party, Senator Yinka Omilani, said the move by members of the State Assembly to begin impeachment against him had been put on hold pending the outcome of various peace moves.
It was gathered that the deputy governor had been ordered to report in Lagos this week for further talks on the need not to distract the governor particularly against the backdrop of similar opposition coming from within and outside the party.
Senator Omilani who said he made a trip to the state to assess the situation, explained: "The strained relationship would be resolved. This is not the first time. They had it before. They reconciled. Now that another one is raring its ugly head, we will control it. We will not allow this to give him negative publicity."
On the move by members of the State Assembly to impeach Chief Aluko, Senator Omilani said it was on hold, arguing: "It is on hold by my intervention and I think I will resolve that amicably.
"But if the deputy governor refuses to toe the path of peace, the law will take its course. And if this happens, it is either he resigns voluntarily or he is impeached. You know if you have a lieutenant who does not want to work with you the way the job should be done, you have to part ways."
On the third term campaign for President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Omilani dismissed it, saying the constitution of the country is clear on this," and it has not been amended. According to him, "... President Obasanjo is an international respected statesman. How would he explain to the international community that he wants to remain in office when the constitution forbids if? It is not possible. It doesn't stand to reason."
He blamed whatever impact the campaign might have had on Afenifere, saying "it is meant to tarnish the image of President Obasanjo. He, President Obasanjo, is not saying he wants to run for the third term."
He also spoke on the Lagos State council funds, which have not been released despite reverting to 20 local governments. While insisting that elections must be held into these councils, the PDP stalwart asked: "Why shouldn't be elections in Lagos if others who were in similar postilion had done so?"