A governorship aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Hon Olugbenga Edema has vowed to sustain, build upon and protect the legacies of late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu if elected the governor of the state.
Edema, who stated this while speaking on his plans for the state, said the gains and legacies of Akeredolu must be protected, codified and built upon, adding that the late governor has earned a place in history of the state.
He however maintained that he remains the best person to sustain the legacies of late Akeredolu and will not disappoint the residents of the state in turning the state around.
Edema who said he was the returning officer of Akeredolu during the primary that brought him as candidate of APC in 2016, said he had understudied his policies and programmes for the people of the state.
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The former Chairman of the State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and member of the immediate past Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, disclosed that he is the best candidate to drive the developmental goals of the state.
The former House of Assembly member said over the last three years, opinion leaders and political leaders have approached him and urged him to contest in the November 16 governorship election, in a bid to sustain the legacy of late governor Akeredolu.
He said his willingness to put himself forward to contest came after he consulted with Akeredolu in February 2023, before his demise and he (Akeredolu) was not indifferent to the yearnings of many who already believed in what the State stands to gain if given the nod at the poll to govern.
Edema said, “my coming out to contest was bourne out of desire to ensure the State continues on the path of development charted by late former Governor Akeredolu which it still in infancy, and to bring to bear my wealth of experience to drive the state to greater heights.”
He pointed to his successes while serving as OSOPADEC chairman, where he created an investment arm of the commission to drive in revenue rather than waiting for allocations from oil revenue from the government.
According to him, “As someone who understands what governance is, looking at it from the prism of a lawyer, a legislator, and someone who has served in the executive arm of government, you will notice that I have all the cognate experience and a philosophy that can drive good governance in the state”
Edema blamed the slow successes witnessed over the years in governance in the state on the inability of political and public officeholders to adhere to the principle of due process in the discharge of their duties. He promised to ensure due process if given the mandate by the good people of the State.
Speaking on his trajectory in politics, Edema said he began politics in 1990 and has acquired sufficient experience and requirements academics qualifications and skills to become the governor.
He added that his long and impressive career in public service has given him the experience and expertise to be an effective governor of Ondo State
” Having served as a member of the House of Assembly, where I chaired the House Committee on Public Petitions and I was a member of several other committees, which further equipped me with deep understanding of the legislative process.
“All this equipped me on how to get things done in government, as I also served as the chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).”
Edema, while speaking on the strength of the APC in the state to win the forthcoming governorship election, said APC is more united than before.
He expressed confidence that the coming primaries will be free, fair and transparent, saying whoever emerges would be supported by other aspirants in the interest of the party and the state.
