By Adeboye Ado
Political leaders and analysts in Akokoland, Ondo State, have described the recent 1000 appointments made by the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as appropriate and commendable.
The stakeholders, who spoke separately with WEEKEND HOPE, said the appointments, including the selection of a commissioner and a Special Adviser from the Akoko region, reflected the governor’s recognition of the contribution of the area to the development of the state.
A community leader from Akunu-Akoko, Chief Ladi Bello, said the appointments were well deserved, urging the appointees to reciprocate the confidence reposed in them by the governor through effective service delivery.
Bello said, “The appointments are appropriate and they show that the governor is listening to the yearnings of the people. We believe those appointed from Akoko will bring their wealth of experience to bear on their responsibilities.
“They must see their appointments as a call to service and not merely an opportunity to occupy political offices. The confidence placed in them must be justified through tangible contributions to the development of the state.
“We also appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa to sustain his attention to Akoko by completing the ongoing road projects in the area. Good roads are essential to the economic growth and social development of our communities.”
Also speaking, a political analyst from Ikare-Akoko, Marshall Ojuolape, commended the governor for what he described as a balanced consideration of Akoko in the latest appointments.
Ojuolape said, “The appointments are timely and appropriate. We expect the appointees to work diligently and demonstrate that the confidence reposed in them was not misplaced.
“They should use their positions to attract meaningful development to Akoko and ensure that the interests of the people are adequately represented in government.
“Beyond the appointments, we want the governor to pay urgent attention to the deplorable condition of roads across Akokoland, particularly the Akungba-Ikare, Ikado-Federal Technical College and Agbaluku Arigidi-Imo Arigidi roads.”
The stakeholders urged the governor to complete the ongoing projects and initiate interventions on other neglected roads, stressing that improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, ease movement and enhance socio-economic activities across Akokoland.