Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Sunday dedicated his re-election victory at the polls to the people of Ondo state, noting that his achievements played a huge role.
He described the election as a statement of the people’s assessment of his performance in the last three and a half years.
The governor promised to rededicate himself to the challenges facing the state, saying the people have no reason to be poor.
Residents of his home town, Owo, trooped to his residence with drums and bands to celebrate the victory.
The governor and the deputy governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa rode in an open vehicle through the streets of the town to the admiration of people, old and young, who trooped out in celebration.
Speaking at his residence, after his victory was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate said of his victory: “It is unequivocal, direct, inspiring and soul lifting. It is awesome. It is a reward for hard work, dedication, focus, honesty and patriotism. It is also a challenge to us for rededication to service in the interest of our people. On this, we shall not relent.
“We set out on the first leg of this political adventure with the determination to make the whole State our constituency. We have not relented on our mission to bridge the huge infrastructural deficit inherited on assumption of office.
“We hold the axiom as evident that the welfare of the people should be the only justification for the existence of government. We have allowed this admonition to be the guiding principle of governance. We are elated to receive a scorecard through this state-wide plebiscite.
“The resounding victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), throws an open challenge to all stakeholders not to choose the path of complacency. We have noted the few dissenting voices of protest in this referendum. We heard them loud and clear. We intend to address genuine grievances. We shall continue to focus on the development of our God-given space, the Sunshine State.
“This aAdministration will not be distracted in the discharge of our sacred mandate. The people will continue to be at the centre of all decisions. We will proceed with our administrative style which promotes transparency and accountability. We are determined to set our State, progressively, on the path of real development. Self-reliance is attainable.
“Our State has no business with poverty. Sincere, purposeful and focused leadership should have little difficulty in harnessing the vast resources, both human and natural. We will put in everything to justify the trust reposed in us.”
Akeredolu magnanimous in victory
Akeredolu congratulated his main rival, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Eyitayo Jegede for participating in the election, adding that, his patriotism was not in doubt.
He described Jegede’s love for the people as unassailable.
He commended INEC for conducting a free, fair and credible election.
Members of the APC National Campaign Council led by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were at Akeredolu’s residence when the results were announced and Akeredolu declared winner.
Others present were Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, among others.
