Politics
Ondo 2024: I Am The Strongest, Best Prepared To Transform Ondo – Ohunyeye
…Says state to become hub of Blue Economy
David Olayinka, Akure
An All Progressive Congress governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Dr Felix Olamide Ohunyeye has said he is best positioned to transform the state among all those jostling for the number one citizen of the state.
Ohunyeye made the bold assertion Thursday night while sharing his plans for the state on a TVC programme, Politics Tonight.
The retired brigadier general explained that he threw his hat in the ring because of “the call for a paradigm shift in the governance of Ondo State” to ensure rapid economic growth that will translate to development.
“It (his ambition) is with the aim to ensure a collective transformation, a paradigm shift in the way governance have been run in Ondo State to ensure that the state is poised and prepared for rapid economic growth that will translate to development for the people,” the aspirant said.
Decribing Ondo State as a consuming state, he lamented that it is currently not where it should be if placed against the human capacity and abundant natural, agricultural and aquatic resources at its disposal.
Ohunyeye noted that he would prioritise reviving moribund industries and invest in agriculture to boost production as part of efforts to restore the lost glory of the state
He stressed that the state can become the hub of the blue economy agenda of President Bola Tinubu once the coastal areas are opened up through the construction of deep seaports in Araromi and Igbokoda and even Igebkebo areas in partnership with private investors while other required infrastructural projects are provided.
“Ondo State in no time can become Dubai, Ondo State in no time will become major industrial hub if the blue economy is accorded the needed priority. He reiterated that luckily, our visionary President, the pragmatic leader has set up the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and if you look at the activities of this economy which will be blending aquatic resources with agro-allied resources, Ondo State is best fit to be the pioneer of the focal point of actualising the dream of this ministry. These are very huge potentials that should excite all citizens of Ondo State towards seeing my team as the next governor of Ondo State without necessarily campaigning,” he said.
Ohunyeye expressed confidence that he has the required credentials to turn around the fortune of the state for rapid growth and development.
According to him, his decades of military experience has placed him as the strongest aspirant in the state, noting that this will be essential in boosting security in the state through the improvement of Ondo State South West Security Network, codenamed “Amotekun” and introduction of new initiatives.
Ohunyeye is one of the aspirants eyeing the governorship ticket of the All Progressive Congress ahead of the November gubernatorial poll in the state.
David Olayinka, Akure
The Jagunmolu of Ikaleland and Ojagbulegun from The Source, Prince ( Dr.) Gen. Olu Bajowa, CFR has commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a Governor whose victory at the November , 16th poll was made possible by God , the Almighty and the good people of Ondo State , who showed him massive love and vote support on election day.
Gen. Bajowa gave this indication in a special congratulatory statement, personally signed by him , which copy was obtained by thepolity.net
In the statement, the retired top brass Army General said, ” I write to join all well-wishers to congratulate you on your well deserved election victory as ” the God’s anointed” Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“The people have spoken loud and clear! Your outstanding and overwhelming performance with the wide margin at the polls is a testimony of your popular acceptance by the good people of The Sunshine State.
” As the old proverb says, ‘ Vox Populi, vox dei’ ( the voice of the people is the voice of God), therefore by God’s grace , you are the Executive Governor of Ondo State for the next four years. ”
While congratulating the Governor on his ‘ sweet victory,’ Gen. Bajowa said Gov. Aiyedatiwa has enormous responsibilities in making life more abundant for the people of Ondo State, noting that the Governor’s responsibility includes providing adequate security, transformation of Agriculture , health and education sectors among others; the fight against poverty, hunger and unemployment , ensuring adequate water and regular power supply for the growth of SMEs and reactivation of all the moribund industries with serious attention to road network and infrastructural development. Going further, Gen. Bajowa noted, “Also important are the issues of the development of our natural resources and solid minerals : bitumen, oil, fisheries and the Ondo State deep seaport project.
” You can count on me , my family and the entire Bajowa Royal Family for our continued support and loyalty to good governance and administration of Ondo State,” Gen. Bajowa stated.
While wishing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a successful tenure , Gen. Bajowa wished him more of God’s guidance , protection and good health as he governs Ondo State afresh.
…as voting commences across wards
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
There was very impressive turn out in Sagamu and Ikenne Local Governments on Saturday during the Local Government elections going on in the State, as voters were seen trooping to their various polling units to cast their ballots.
Recalled that Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) had earlier slated Local Government elections for Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
An election observer from Advocacy for Social Justice & Liberty, Charles Odunuga, commended the electoral body for what he termed decent and well organized process.
He therefore, urged electorate to maintain the peace till the end of the exercise, adding that peaceful environment plays pivotal role in strengthening democracy.
Also, a voter in Sagamu, Pastor Sola Komolafe, euologised the proactiveness of the electoral commission and level of preparedness, including level-playibg ground for opposition parties to thrive.
In the same vein, Mrs Kafilat Sokoya, another voter in Grammar School area of Ikenne described the process across the town as peaceful and orderly, as she advised voters to shun inducement and act of violence.
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
The ongoing local government polls in Ogun State got off to a good start on Saturday. This newspaper can exclusively report.
Election into chairmanship and councillorship positions are currently ongoing in the 20 local government councils of the state, with the major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) saying that they will have a good showing.
In the polling units surveyed in major cities such as Abeokuta, the state capital; Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ota and Ilaro, election materials arrived on schedule even as voters expressed confidence that the exercise would be concluded without any hassles.
Findings by reporters across the state have not shown any incident of voter harassment or ballot box snatching so far.
This contradicts the false alarm raised by a major opposition party in the state to the effect that the election has been bedevilled by violence.
Some voters, however, complained of late arrival of materials even as officials of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) interviewed across the state said materials have reached all polling units in the State and they expected voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.