The Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, a feature in the administration of Lagos State, has been replicated in Ondo State.
It took off formally on Saturday with its maiden meeting hosted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Its main brief is counseling and supporting the Governor on issues of governance and the growth of the ruling party in the state.
Chaired by a former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited Board of Directors chairman and former All Progressives Congress National Vice Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South West) and former Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, serves as the Secretary.
Also included as members are selected APC leaders in Ondo State.
Akinyelure and Kekemeke with other members of the body, were bat the inaugural meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Akure.
The closed-door meeting deliberated on various issues bothering on the development of the state under Aiyedatiwa and the growth of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The GAC meeting came barely a week after the Governor hosted the party’s Caucus meeting and ahead of the general stakeholders meeting of the party.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the GAC chairman, Akinyelure described the parley as fruitful, noting that it focused on strengthening ties between the government and the party.
He said, “The Governor is very happy about the meeting. What we have basically discussed is the growth of the party and the success of the government, which is headed by Mr. Governor. Ours is to bridge the gap, to make sure that the party grows and the government is successful.
“Whatever is going on in government is exposed to the party, so that there can be a smooth relationship. I am not only satisfied, I am encouraged by the participation of our members.”
Former APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, commended the Governor for convening the council and noted that the closed-door format encouraged frank discussions.
“First and foremost, I have to appreciate the governor for setting up this Governor’s Advisory Council. Because of such a forum, we make suggestions as elders of the party. If we continue at this trend, even the sky is not the limit for the state.
“One very commendable thing is the governor’s receptive attitude accommodating everyone, regardless of past views before he became governor. There’s no room for disunity. The governor is for all of us. He’s the leader of the party in the state, and we acknowledge that leadership”, Oluwajana said.
Former Senator, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice explained that the council plays a key advisory role to the governor on policies and party unity.
Boroffice said: “The main purpose of this meeting is to revitalise this Government Advisory Council. As a council, we are to advise Mr. Governor on issues concerning his policies and the unity of the party, and that is exactly what we have done. Those who have some issues raised them, and the Governor responded.
“He has paid all salaries; he is not owing, has not borrowed, and has even paid part of the debts owed by the government over the years. These are commendable within this short time of his administration. The Advisory Council is to advise, not to dictate.
“The Governor is the Chief Executive of the state and is to pick the best hands to help him achieve his goals. We can advise, but he has more information to take decisions that favour the government and the people.”
Also speaking, Chief Jamiu Ekungba and Hon. Awodeyi Akinsehinwa Apata both commended the governor for convening the GAC meeting, stressing that it would strengthen the party in the state ahead of the next general elections.
On the outcome of the meeting, the GAC Secretary, Hon. Kekemeke, said the meeting aimed at stabilising the government and party in the state.
He said, “Basically, it’s meant to stabilise government and the party. The governor has been availed of the experience of many people, and we have resolved a number of issues. We restated the obvious fact that the governor is the leader of the party in the state.
“We also agreed that support groups, particularly presidential support groups, can continue to exist but cannot serve as alternatives to the party or be used to divide it. Support groups are meant to support the party and the presidential aspiration of our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We were satisfied with the governor’s performance and advised him on wider consultations with stakeholders. We concluded that our party is one, with no factions, and advised on collegiate leadership at the local government level for more inclusive decision-making.”
Other leaders at the meeting included former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, General Funso Oyenehin (rtd), Ambassador Sola Iji, Chief Bode Sunmonu, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Dr. Ayodeji Oyedele and Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti.
