Nigeria Content Online

Legal practitioners in Ondo State have
thrown their weight behind the re-nomination as minister of Adetokunbo
Kayode by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, although his nomination
has caused division in the ranks of the state leadership of the Peoples
Democratic Party in the last few weeks.

A group loyal to former commissioner
for finance and governorship aspirant Tayo Alasoadura had rejected the
nomination of Mr. Kayode, while a group loyal to immediate past
governor Olusegun Agagu was solidly behind him.

There were also speculations that
senators from the state had decided to work against the former justice
minister’s clearance at the Senate when nominees appear for screening.

Resolving the issue

However, NEXT gathered that the crisis might be over because the leadership of the party had agreed to support the nomination.

A reliable source
in the party said the leadership of the party has agreed to give Mr.
Kayode their support in order to stop the division in the party The
source also hinted that the three senators from the state have resolved
to back his nomination.

“The allegiance of
Kayode to the PDP has never been in doubt, just as he has not joined
any of the factions jostling for the soul of the party in the state,”
the source said.

Speaking at the
weekend, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the state has praised the
nomination of Mr Kayode, saying “the appointment of Kayode will help
develop the cause of justice.”

The outgoing publicity secretary of the association’s Akure chapter,
Rotimi Olorunfemi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said Mr.
Kayode, who has served as the first vice president of the NBA and has
held several positions within the group, will be of good service not
only to the federal government but also the law profession.