Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State have insisted that the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa should be empowered as Acting Governor in line with constitutional provisions.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday asked the status quo be maintained and Aiyedatiwa resume office as Deputy Governor.

But the Ondo APC Progressives stakeholders, at a meeting in Akure, said the prolonged absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has crippled. Economy of the State.

A statement at the meeting and signed by its Chairman Hon. Afe Olowookere and Secretary Hon. Raman Rotimi, called on the House of Assembly to empower Aiyedatiwa to function as the Acting Governor.

The statement resolved that party supremacy must be entrenched to facilitate inclusion and mutual respect.

It said: “All inclusivedevelopmental agenda for socio- economic, industrial and cultural rebirth that will put the State inits rightful place should be designed by all parties and stakeholders to provide quality, sustainable economic and industrial development for the people.

“That, APC party members should be allowed to participate and determine those to be appointed or elected into political and party offices.

“Elders and Leaders of the party must be recognized and given their pride of place in the party, rather than being neglected and ostracised by the party.

“The system ofwriting names of party executives and candidates without due process will be objected and resisted with all political and legalmeans possible.”(The Nation)