Ondo 2024: look beyond party to elect worthy leader —APC Chieftain, Bally charges residents

...As SUNSHINETRUTH honours Distinguished Nigerians.

As activities towards the November 16th Governorship Election in Ondo State are  in top gear, resident of the state have been charged to look beyond party and constituency sentiments to scrutinize and elect the right candidate for the top political seat in the Sunshine State.

The charge was made at the SUNSHINETRUTH media group 6th Anniversary and Honours Day held on Thursday in Akure.

The event was graced by respected and influential dignitaries in the state including the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lawmakers and royal fathers.

The anniversary, themed: “2024 Governorship Election: Interrogating Qualities of Next Ondo State Governor Amidst Hardship”, also featured launching of SunshineTruth Charity Foundation, initiated to ameliorate the sufferings of the less-privileged and underserved communities in Ondo State.

Delivering the anniversary lecture, an APC Chieftain in Ondo state, Engr Ayotunde Bally emphasised the need to elect a worthy leader, scrutinized beyond party lines for the good of Ondo State and her people.

He said, "The November 16th polls will be the 7th gubernatorial election in the history of the State in line with section 178(1) of the 1999 constitution, as amended but will produce the 8th Executive Governor of the state as a result of the death of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in 2023.

"It is highly imperative that in our political trajectory, there is a need to thoroughly interrogate the personal qualities of those who have put themselves up across the political parties to be the next occupant of the Government House (Alagbaka) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election."

Highlighting Ondo State's economic significance, Bally underscored the need for visionary leadership amidst economic challenges. 

"In light of the economic hardship currently facing the State and its people, the qualities of the next Ondo State Governor must be adequately interrogated by the electorate. 

"The traditional method of electing a Governor must be scrutinized, and competency should be prioritized in the electioneering process.

"It is evident that over the years, the citizens couldn't have the enough opportunity to interrogate the qualities of those who have governed them which has largely contributed to the ineffective and inefficiency of government and has resorted to bad leadership.

"In the build-up to the gubernatorial election, particularly the party primaries that will produce candidates across the political parties, there are pertinent questions we must ask those who are jostling for the ticket in their political parties and we demand answers in a convincing manner that make us entrust them with our votes," Bally said.

He emphasized qualities such as respect for the rule of law, financial autonomy for local governments, and experience in resource management.

Bally outlined key areas for the next governor's focus, including economic development, infrastructure, agricultural revolution, and healthcare accessibility, urging aspirants to address issues such as unemployment, education, debt management, and revitalization of dormant industries.

Tourism and public-private partnerships were identified as avenues for economic growth and job creation, stressing  the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.

The All Progressive Congress chieftain urged Ondo residents to demand answers from aspirants on pertinent issues before casting their votes. 

"Our debt profile: According to the Debt Management Office as of December 31, 2023, our domestic debt in Ondo state is 71,502,242,507.74 - what would the aspirants do if elected to further reduce our debt?"

"Our aspirants must give answers to these salient questions from the public to truly know the qualities they possess before we can entrust them with our votes to govern us in Ondo State," he stressed.

Bally commended SunshineTruth for its commitment to unbiased journalism, highlighting its role in holding the government accountable.

In his speech, Ondo NUJ Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite commended the media platform for reporting happenings in the state timely.

Those honoured at the event were Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the State Commissioner  for Energy and Mining, Engr Razaq Obe; Engineer Bally; Yemi Fashipe; Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Dr Adepoju Adetokunboh and HRM Oba (Dr) Samuel Edema.

Other awardees were Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, Comrade Akinzue Sunday and the Corporate Firm of the year Award recipient- FLOWZAP Internet.

The event was attended by top government's officials, traditional rulers including the Akapinsa of Ipinsa in Akure South local government, the Ondo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Victor Amoko; his TUC Counterpart, Comrade Clement Fatuase; representatives of the State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami and the Speaker of the state assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji.