Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has given a marching order to all appointees in his government wishing to contest the 2019 general elections in various capacities to resign.

In a circular signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gbenga Ale and made available to news personnel, the governor directed that members of the State Executive Council, who have obtained nomination forms to contest for political offices in the 2019 general elections, are to put in their letter of resignation on or before Monday, 17 September, 2018.

The circular reads in part: “Following preparations towards the 2019 general elections and subsequent expression of interest of some Executive Council members to contest for political offices, Mr. Governor has directed that any member who has obtained nomination form to contest election into any political office is to put in his/her letter of resignation on or before Monday, 17th September, 2018.”

However, an impeccable source within the government circle exclusively revealed that the circular might not be unconnected with the growing number of the governor’s appointees, particularly cabinet members who have been making endless moves at their various constituencies to contest the forthcoming general elections.

“I believe what the governor has done is the right step at ensuring that his appointees who have shown interest to participate in the 2019 political processes are allowed to fully partake in it without any form of hindrance.

“Most of them (appointees) are getting more involved in their political ambitions than their primary duties as exco members. So, it is the right move from Arakunrin (Ondo State Govenor).

“At times, when you get to their offices, what you see are their constituents holding meeting upon on meetings,” the source added.