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The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Ayadatiwa, has appealed for unity among the indigenes in order to accomplish the task ahead, following the transmission of executive powers to him by the ailing Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu who left the state for medical leave abroad as a follow up to his earlier treatment in Germany.
In his address to the people of Ondo State, the state acting governor observed the trajectories that, “The events which have culminated in today’s address is a watershed in the annals of our experience as a people. It is not a moment of celebration, but rather a moment of sober reflection.”
He stressed the need for unity and cohesion among the people at this point, as a vital tool to accomplish the task before his administration.
Ayedatiwa acknowledged the worthy legacies of yhe governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, whose sterling leadership and character he stressed had yielded many positive developments for the state.
“Mr. Governor is a transformational and courageous leader who has turned around the fortunes of the State in the last six an-a-half years. His records of performance are monumental and here with us.
“In all facets of our development, be it governance, security, health, education, economy, infrastructure, industrialisation and others, his footprints are foundational and will serve the state in greater heights in the future.
“Above all and as you all know our Governor has been a strong, effectual and respected voice in matters of national development, doing the Sunshine State proud at all fora.
“The State will forever be grateful to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON for driving our development so well. We are really proud of him,” said the Acting Governor Ayedatiwa in further appreciation of the leadership qualities of his principal.
While appreciating the people for their resilience and loyalty in the face of intrigues that played out in the state, Ayedatiwa was quick to appreciate
the sovereignty of the people that voted them into power.
He expressed deep regret the toll the moments of confusion had on the psyche of the people in general and the development of the State in particular.
But he charged the people not to relent in their prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strenght to the ailing Arakunrin Akeredolu.
Similarly, the Acting governor pledged to remain committed to the expectation of the people that government continues to deliver on the mandate given to Governor Akeredolu and the Acting Governor.
He said that, ” We must return quickly to the path of accelerated
progress that has eluded the State in the last few months.
” We must excuse unnecessary distractions.
“We can no longer be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We must stand together until the end.
“We must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary object of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
“Let us build a shared future from a divided past. We owe no less to the good people of the Sunshine State.
Bearing in mind that the very huge responsibility of governance, i must emphasise that the task is indeed
not one that one individual can accomplish alone.”
Ayedatiwa observed that what lies ahead renained a great task that called for ” inclusive engagement, focus and collective actions from both the government and the governed.
He called on the people of Ondo State, young and old, to contribute their utmost commitment, cooperation and support towards advancing the state in the pursuit of general development.
He particularly extend the appreciation of the state to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Senate President His Excellency Godwin Akpabio, the National Chairman of our Party APC, His Excellency Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and other top national officials of the Party for providing succour to Ondo State during the critical time.
In similar vein, Ayedatiwa appreciated a cross section of critial stakeholders in the state, saying that, ” I extend our profound gratitude to the good people of our dear State, the speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the state Executive Council, our Senators and members of the House of Representatives, members of the Ondo state the House of Assembly, the State Chairman, working committee members and leaders of our great party, the APC.
“We also owe a debt of gratitude to our traditional rulers, religious leaders and especially our elder Statesmen in the state led by our father, Papa Reuben Fasoranti. May I also express our profound gratitude to the civil servants of Ondo State, Civil Society Organisations, the Media and the youths for their patriotism and for being part of the peace process to guarantee continued sustenance of the pride of place of the Sunshine State in the comity of States.
“I cannot but specially appreciate the third arm of Government, the Judiciary through the honourable chief Judge, for its courage, commitment and dedication to protect democracy and the constitution of the nation. It is on record that we all sailed through the unnecessary and avoidable weather together. We won together. We are all one large family. We are one great people with one focus : to make our
state greater than it is today.”
Ayedatiwa expressed the confidence that, by the experiences of the past, democracy would be further enriched, while for those in government, this whole experience should open a new vista to appreciate the trust of the people, which must be translated into the best welfare of the larger percentage of the people.
But he warned that, “We must rise far above the intrigues and instability of the past and roll up our sleeves in service of the people.
“We are nothing but trustees of the people with whom we share a common humanity. We must and we will exercise with utmost discretion the privileges conferred on us by the great people of Ondo State.”
The Acting Governor while calling for the support of all political actors, challenged all to put yesterday behind but forge ahead with love and affection for one another, in order to achieve the laudable vision and mission of the. Governor for the State.
He concluded his address by urging Ondo people to continue to pray for the mighty healing of God to hasten the recovery of the governor of Akeredolu, to enable him return to the office, hale and hearty.
Recall that, a press statement on Tuesday by governor Akeredolu’s spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, had stated that Arakunri Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.
