By Adekola Afolabi
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, met with Southwest Governors to discuss issues of interest.
The Governors present at the meeting were: Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
Akeredolu, who appreciated the Governors for their solidarity, harped on continuous collaboration among the South-West States.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde said the forum is praying for Akeredolu, adding that he has the support of all the Governors in the region.
The Governors discussed national and other issues affecting the region and the people.
Governor Akeredolu had earlier played host to dignitaries across the country since he returned from medical vacation in Germany.
The delegation included the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, led by the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The governor who appreciated the chairman and other members of the NWC for their visit, said he is alive and well.
While saying that God has answered his prayers and that of others, Akeredolu further solicited for more of such prayers
On the entourage of the National Chairman were the National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman South-West, Isaac Kekemeke; Deputy National Secretary, Sir Festus Fuanter; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hamma Ali Kumo; and former deputy Governors, Chief Moses Adeyemo and Rauf Olaniyan, among others.
Governor Akeredolu expressed confidence in the capacity of the APC National Chairman to move the party towards growth and unity.
He added that Ganduje’s extensive experience garnered from serving two terms as Kano State Governor, has equipped him adequately to navigate the party towards significant progress.
“I thank God for the gift of life for all of us. I personally want to express my gratitude that I’m alive and well. We are back by the grace of God,” the Governor said.
Akeredolu further expressed his appreciation for the chairman’s directive for state party structures to maintain appropriate offices.
“You will know that we have a befitting office when you visited Akure. After the Abuja office, it is the Ondo office that we can be proud of.
“I want to thank you all for coming. I know that the Lord has answered my prayers, but I need more. My Chairman, I know you are capable, and you can count on my support anytime. The party has survived, and it must continue to take full control of the country’s affairs,” Akeredolu declared.
Earlier, the National Chairman noted that the Governor is extremely important to the party and the country.
Ganduje, while acknowledging the party’s consistent prayers for the Governor, emphasised that they could not forget about the good governance he has been offering Ondo and the country.
“We are here solely to see you after your prolonged absence from the country. You hold extreme importance to us in the APC and the country. We prayed intensively for your health.
“We cannot forget the good governance you have been providing for Ondo state and Nigeria at large. When one of us faces health challenges, we feel it too. We have come with our Bishop to offer prayers for your health”, Ganduje said.
He also informed the Governor that the party’s National Working Committee underwent a reformation during his absence.
“In your absence, the National Working Committee was reformed. The National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party both resigned. Prior to this, there were gaps due to resignations or deaths.
“The Chairman’s departure left a significant void, and the NEC felt the need to fill the crucial positions. By the grace of God, I am the new Chairman of the party, and Bashiru is the new Secretary. The National Working Committee is now fully operational,” Ganduje explained.