By Banji Ayoola
Restructuring Nigeria into a balanced federation; power shift to the South after being wielded by a northerner for the past eight years; and establishment of state police to redress the worsening security challenges across the land are urgent necessities to put the country on a firm footing, which can never be swept under the carpet, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has maintained.
Speaking at a reception organised by the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo South, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, after the governor was conferred with a national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, on Tuesday by President Muhammadu Buhari, Akeredolu said that he fully supported the APC constitution that says there must be restructuring.
Also, he reiterated his stance on state police, saying all the 36 states of the federation have supported the creation of state police; adding: “And luckily for us, all the Governors of the 36 states have agreed on state police. Having a single command of police in this country is a joke.
“We want the President to come to the south. We stood by that. And it’s only fair that the President comes to the South.”
He said: “A lot of things have happened in defending our people in Ondo state. Nobody expected that we will be given this kind of honour. President Buhari has shown that he’s a good man and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Akeredolu thanked all members of the State Executive Council for their belief in the ‘One Administration mantra’ of his government, adding that it is for the overall development of the Sunshine State.
He congratulated all other Awardees from the Sunshine state.
Saying he was surprised at the National Honours, the governor appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for the gesture.
His wife, Betty; Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, commended the Governor’s stance on national issues.
They encouraged him to continue to defend his people and work for the betterment of the country.
Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu noted that despite the murky waters of politics, her husband has refused to compromise on his principles and stance which he was known for before becoming Governor.
She described her husband as bold and blunt, adding that she was happy that politics hasn’t changed him.
In his own speech, the host Speaking at the reception, the host, Ibrahim congratulated Akeredolu, describing the National Honour as significant, historic and good for the people of Ondo State.
He said: “Like I said in my Press release, this is long overdue. With this Honour, you are no longer the property of Ondo State alone, you are no longer the property of the family alone, you are property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Mr Governor, this is very important milestone as far as we are concerned, and the people of Ondo State really appreciate it. Your conferment is based on merit.”
He said the Honour is as a result of the Governor’s sterling achievements in the state including his doggedness, courage and boldness in the fight against insecurity to protect the lives and property of the people, not only in the state, the South West but the country at large.
Ibrahim also lauded the Governor for bringing integrity, probity into governance and ensuring prudent management of scare resources for the benefit of the people of the state.
The reception was also attended by members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun; other top government functionaries and traditional rulers.
Also present were Federal Lawmakers from Ondo State including Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe and Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Local Government Chairmen led by the ALGON chairman, Augustine Oloruntogbe, and several other APC chieftains.
Akeredolu was among the 447 eminent Nigerians who were conferred with national honours on Tuesday in Abuja by the President.
