…warns against moneybag politicians
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, declared his ambition to fly the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the November gubernatorial election in the state.
At the formal declaration of interest held at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa used the occasion to inform the people of the state of his commitment to bring development to the Sunshine State, if voted as Governor.
Promising to consolidate on the feats of his late principal, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and to build a modern Sunshine State if given the chance to govern, the incumbent governor assured that he would restore the lost glory of the state.
Aiyedatiwa who was Akeredolu’s Deputy, was sworn in as Governor on December 27, 2023 following the demise of the latter in a German hospital during a protracted battle with prostate cancer.
Describing the years late Akeredolu spent in the saddle as unforgettable in the state, he stated that he joined hands with the late governor to emplace transformational policies and programmes which have no doubt impacted positively on the development of Ondo state.
The governor, who informed the gathering populated by APC stalwarts and residents of the state that his late principal never stopped to echo his desire for him (Lucky) to succeed him (Akeredolu), noted that Akeredolu administration’s score cards speak glowingly on infrastructural development and provision of social amenities including roads, education and health.
He, however, urged the people of the state to reject those seeking to buy their conscience with money in the forthcoming election.
According to him: “My dear people of Ondo State, the gubernatorial primary election is at hand. Your vote is a potent weapon that must be wisely used.
“We must reject those who seek to buy our conscience with money. We must stop those who seek to govern this State by muscles.
“That is not what our late legends and founding fathers who once governed this State handed unto our generation.
“Today, I offer myself to lead, not to rule, to respect your wishes, not to dominate you, and to lead by example of humility, good character and empathy, which I have demonstrated in office since 2021.
“I remain the epitome of Omoluabi that you have always trusted. I urge you to vote me as the candidate of our great party.”
He stated further that: “my late principal would be proud of me as a worthy constitutional successor who has not derailed on the path of development we jointly pursued.
“Today, I have come before you in response to the popular yearnings and aspirations of our people to sustain this path of progress and development in the State.
“To the glory of God, I parade very rich political credentials and vast experience in governance.
“Without being immodest, the trajectory of my experiences in governance as former Representative of Ondo State on the Board of NDDC, one-time Deputy Governor, and three times Acting Governor under our late sage, and now the incumbent Governor of Ondo State are too important to be wished away.
“The poser therefore is whether or not to respect the people’s yearnings for sustainable good governance they have enjoyed in the last seven years. The people of Ondo state must not suddenly find themselves in Egypt. Never!.
“Today, I stand before you in all humility and with a fierce commitment to the greatness of our Sunshine State.
“I offer myself, in difference to your popular yearnings and upon wide consultations, not just to run the race, but to be the candidate of our great party, APC in the 2024 gubernatorial election.
“I am fully prepared for this opportunity to re-enact the legacies of visionary, purposeful, competent leadership bequeathed to us by our founding fathers to build the future of Ondo State.
“My vision and mission for the people of Ondo State are greatly enriched, having served the State from 2021-2023, with our departed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who in no small measure was an exemplar of purposeful and courageous leadership, empathy and good governance.
“I have a clear agenda to sustain Ondo State on the path of glory and development. Life must be more meaningful to our people
“My mission would focus on key developmental issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger and make Ondo State self-sustaining. My development agenda is to emplace a State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS)”
Some party leaders present at the venue of the declaration include, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, a member of the House of Representatives, Abiola Makinde; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; former Ambassador to Togo, Chief Olusola Iji; former Commissioner in Ondo State, Chief Segun Ojo; Chief Jamiu Ekungba, among others.
The dignitaries who spoke one after the other, urged the people of the state to vote Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming election, to enable him continue his good work in the state.
