An All Progressive Congress governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Dr Olumide Ohunyeye, has said he was in the race to become the governor of the state to take power from the strongholds and give it back to the people for the benefit of the masses.
Ohunyeye said this on Thursday while holding parleys with leaders and members of the ruling APC in the four local governments of Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West.
The retired military officer while seeking the support of party stakeholders in the zone lamented that the state could not be placed on the same level with her counterparts in the Southwest geopolitical zone and oil producing states in terms of development due to inappropriate leadership succession in the state.
He noted that despite the huge resources in the state, people remained poor as it’s industries had become moribund.
“All the companies that were bringing in foreign exchange, like the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company, Oluwa Glass and Nigeria-Romania Wood Industry (NIROWI) among others, have all died. Why did they die? Because your leaders are not interested in your affairs. Government do not take interest in your affairs because they get monthly allocation. They also get “free money” from oil. Therefore, for you to see development anywhere, communities have to rely on their illustrious sons and daughters. What is government doing for the people? But the critical question is, who puts the government in power?” he asked
He added; “We have to think now. This is the time for us to take care of today, tomorrow and indeed, the future.
Certainly, the time has come that Ondo needs to think. We need leaders that will be passionate, ready to help us and will not make fake promises. Somebody that will not come and bribe you with money. When they get to Alagbaka government house they will recoup their investment for the next eight years if elected twice and might even pass it on to their cronies.”
“Go to Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, can we compare them with Ondo State in terms developmental projects? My dear people, l am sure we all have the same answer. This is not to blame our leaders because they have done what they could do within their capability. To me, l believe they have put in their best. However, this is the time to tell you that where they stopped, we are ready to improve the situation. Hence, we have to do more,” Ohunyeye stressed.
Ohunyeye further assured that he would create employment for the people of the state through agriculture and industrialisation. The government hopeful concluded that if elected, promised to revitalise the security, education, health and all other sectors that are critical to the overall progress and development of the Sunshine State.
