Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has congratulated the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)Seyi Makinde, who was declared winner of Saturday’s election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a congratulatory message, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Bolaji Tunji, quoted the governor as saying, now that the elections are over, Makinde should ensure all stakeholders are carried along in his administration.
The governor urged Makinde to start getting prepared for the onerous task of governance, by putting behind him all the electioneering acrimonies and prevail on his followers and supporters to guard against acts and utterances capable of igniting crisis in the state.
Ajimobi said: “In the last eight years, we’ve ensured adherence to the rule of law. We’ve done a lot to ensure the growth and development of our dear state, through our visible unprecedented achievements, as acclaimed by the masses of Oyo State and the outside world.
“While congratulating you and wishing you a successful tenure, I enjoin you to focus on the sustained development of our state in the areas of peace, security, as well as safety of life and property that the state has enjoyed in the last eight years.
“I extend to you the right hand of fellowship and promise to avail you my wealth of experience on critical developmental and governance matrix for the continued growth of our state and for the betterment of the lives of the entire citizens of the state.
“Since the duty of every government is to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and for citizens to go about their lawful duties under a peaceful and secure environment, may I advise that you leverage on our widely-acclaimed achievements in these areas.”
Meanwhile, Makinde, yesterday, thanked critical stakeholders and the people of the state for electing him and promised not to disappoint them when he assumes office as governor from May 29.
Addressing a maiden press conference at his residence at Ikolaba GRA, Ibadan, he said the voting pattern showed clearly their dogged determination “in spite of spirited efforts to frustrate you.”
Makinde, an engineer, said: “My good people of Oyo State, God does not act in a vacuum, and He has made everything to perfection. And this is the reason we are gathered here, today. We give Him the glory.
“The political struggle of the past few weeks by the people of Oyo State, particularly the elections, which took place on Saturday, leading to my being elected as governor in May, reminds me of the Agbekoya struggle of 1968.”