From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called for unity among the people of the state, even as he prayed for speedy recovery of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa who was confirmed the acting Governor of the state by the state House of Assembly on Wednesday, following the medical vacation of Governor Akeredolu said the people of Ondo State should unite together for peace, progress and develop.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa urged the people, especially Political gladiators to put the events of the past few weeks behind them and work together for the progress of the state.
He said “I address you today with a humble heart and a mixed feeling. 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. A moment for us to really appreciate the collective burden of moving our State forward. The events of the past months have indeed challenged our love for our state and indeed democracy which we all profess.
“Throughout the whirlwind and the storm, we held fast to our firm belief that we owe it a duty to ourselves, the people and posterity not to allow the suspense and confusion go on without end because of its dire implications for our development and progress in Ondo State. At no time in our history has unity among our people been so vital as it is at the present time.
“Unity of purpose, unity of effort and unity of spirit which are all essential to accomplish the task before us. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride, the profound legacies and the place of our leader and father of the state, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State.
“We acknowledge the sterling leadership and character he has provided 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.
“At this juncture, permit me to say that only God Almighty has explanations for what happened in the last few months. When nature sets in to hinder human performance, it is always a painful thing. We must acknowledge that the key to the well-being of a man is in the hands of God.
“It is not for us as humans to question God but to pray for His mercies upon our lives. It is in this regard that we admit with all sense of responsibility that the intrigues that ensued due to Mr Governor’s health challenges were indeed avoidable distractions.
“We ought to have done better so as to keep giving Ondo State the seamless and solid governance which Arakunrin Akeredolu had established in the state in the last six-and-a-half years.
“As a government, we must appreciate the sovereignty of the people that voted us into office and we regret in no unmistakable terms the toll which this whole episode had inflicted on the psyche of the People and the development of the State. Despite all these, my dear people, I come to you today, to urge you all not to relent, as you have always done, in your prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strenght to our leader, Mr Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
“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 emphasize that the task is indeed not one that one individual can accomplish alone. It is a gigantic task that requires inclusive engagement, focus and collective actions from both the government and the governed. We, therefore, implore you all across the State, young and old, to contribute your utmost commitment, cooperation and support towards advancing the State in our development trajectory,” he added.