It is a common and snappy wise crack among the Yoruba of South West Nigeria that a fowl that survives an encounter with the cobra is destined for greater exploits.
THE proverb above summarises the near-death experience which Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has had in the last few months when he hurriedly left the shores of the country for a bout with the deadly leukemia in Germany. His medical leave expectedly ignited a wave of wild and macabre speculations from traducers and political opponents who on several occasions announced his obituary, causing unpleasant consternations from official circles, and rebuttals from the family.
IT is a great joy and to the glory of God that Akeredolu has finally returned to the country and back to his desk after a near-fatal encounter with the illness that sidelined him for months. The Hope excitedly rejoices with the Governor, his family and largely the people of Ondo State who openly and genuinely interceded with prayers to God to save their beloved statesman.
WE appreciate God’s gesture and eternally grateful to him for being alive to read his own obituary otherwise his death (God for- bid) would have brought the state to an unimaginable political turmoil. It is important to emphasise that all human creations are vulnerable to sickness and Akeredolu being an ordinary mortal does not pretend to be a super human being. We therefore condemn without reservations those who exploited the governor’s ill-heath for political manipulations, bitter or contemptuous ridicule. Let those who rejoice at the downfall of others expect that their day is coming because their swords will pierce their own hearts and their bows will be broken.
REGRETABLY, the absence of the governor punctured the frailties of his principal elements in government, ripping open deep- seated political intrigues, animosity and open confrontation of mud- slinging.
During the gutter drag, governance came to almost a stand still as all weapons of destruction especially the social media were freely employed by the gladiators, thus distracting public service and bringing bad press to the state. It was indeed a season of anomie as the gladiators threw shame and decency into dustbin in a desperate bid to outsmart each other.
HAPPILY, all that have gone into history now as the landlord of Alagbaka Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is back to the saddle. The recent signing of the creation of 33 LCDAS into law and disengagement of some of his media aides alleged of disloyalty signifies rejuvenation of governance and a strong warning signal to mischief makers that Aketi is back to power.
WE hope his medical leave in Germany will avail him ample opportunity of first-hand information of functional and modern health system which can be integrated into the medical structures being constructed by this administration in Ondo and Akure teaching hospitals.
IT is our opinion that such gesture will serve as an enduring memento to appreciate the people of Ondo State who may not have the opportunity of a medical leave in foreign land but who strongly believe in the power of intercession with prayers.
THE HOPE enjoins Akeredolu not to be dispirited by the rebellious antics or death wishes of his traducers but to redouble his efforts at making life worth living for the vast populace through his REDEEMED and other populist agenda. This, The Hope believes, is the only and greatest sense of appreciation of value for human life .
