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Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor-elect, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Abiodun was accompanied by the state’s deputy-governor-elect, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, to the certificate presentation event. Salako-Oyedele , who had earlier received her own certificate of return, stormed the Ogun State headquarters of INEC, Magbon, Abeokuta, with scores of party leaders, supporters and loyalists.
In his short remarks after receiving his certificate from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ogun, Professor Abdul-Ganiyu Olayinka, Abiodun said the presentation of the certificate of return signalled a formal and conclusive end of the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state, having been declared the winner of March 9 poll.
He stated that the victory at the poll was neither that of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor that of his own, but that of the Ogun State people, who according to him defied the odds and came out massively to lay the foundation for the certificate presentation ceremony.
Abiodun noted further that elections remain the bedrock of democracy with people having inalienable rights to periodically choose their representatives, urging those who contested with him to put electioneering and the bickering behind them and rally round him to address the challenges confronting the state.
The governor-elect reiterated that his administration will be fair, just, equitable and inclusive and be hinged on transparency, accountable leadership, focused and qualitative governance.
“Let me reiterate once again: I solemnly pledge that our administration will be fair, just, equitable and inclusive, a government that truly earns and deserves confidence and trust of the citizenry through transparent and accountable leadership, focused and qualitative governance that creates the enabling environment for an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Ogun State. Indeed, a government for all, not a few.
“Good governance is not just a legitimate expectation of our people which we are committed to, it is also our little way of showing gratitude to God Almighty for His benevolence that made our success at the poll and today’s event a reality.
“Many of you are fully aware of my odyssey to warrant any recap here, suffice to say that left to man, I would not be standing here today.
“God manifested His awesomeness and clearly communicated: man is man, God is God. God has been faithful to me in this journey and I’m obliged to remain faithful to Him by keeping faith with the campaign promises I made to the people and make their welfare a priority at all times,” Abiodun said.
While acknowledging that the task before him was daunting, the resources constrained, and expectations were very high, Abiodun assured that he would never take people’s will for granted, and their can-do-spirit, submitting that through collaboration and partnership between government, private sector and the people, the fortune of the state would be turned around for the benefit of all.
