By Adedotun Ajayi

Towards the build up to Ondo State governorship election billed for November this year, a coalition of non-indigenes resident in the state has pledged their total support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The endorsement came during a meeting of the group with the Governor on Tuesday at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Alagbaka, where the non-indigenes endorsed Lucky Aiyedatiwa as their candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Chairman APC Hausa community in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Shuaibu, echoed their collective support during the gathering marked by solidarity.

Highlighting the community’s longstanding prayers for the governor and the State government, Shuaibu emphasized the need for non-indigenes greater representation and participation in the state’s affairs.

He articulated the community’s desire to align with Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, seeking tangible benefits and engagement within the state’s governance structure.

His words: “We were born here, we schooled here, and we should also enjoy the government. We hereby express our readiness to actively contribute to Aiyedatiwa’s campaign and administration. We affirm our commitment to leveraging our extensive network and influence both within and outside Ondo State,” he added.

Representatives of Igbos, Awka Ibom, Ebira and Igala communities at the meeting also urged the governor to welcome people from all tribes and provide a supportive environment for their businesses to flourish.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in his reaction, emphasized Nigeria’s collective identity and made a call for non-discrimination, stressing the absence of bias against any ethnic group within the state, including the Hausas, Fulanis, Igbos, Awka Iboms, Ebiras and Igalas’ communities.

Aiyedatiwa while appreciating the peaceful coexistence of the various tribes in the state said his administration would not relent in providing adequate security and enabling environment for them to thrive in their respective businesses.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Special Advisers and other top government functionaries.

The Governor said, “We are all Nigerians with freedom to reside anywhere, provided we abide by the law. We are governed by the same set of laws, and discrimination has no place in our society. We stand united as one Nigeria, and every law in Ondo State is designed to enhance the welfare of its people.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring the security and welfare of our people, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives. Your well-being is our top priority”.

Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude and reassured the communities of his unwavering dedication to their interests. He reiterated the importance of unity among all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic backgrounds, reaffirming Ondo State’s status as a welcoming home for all residents.

“Ondo state is a state where all Nigerians can freely reside and thrive, Nigeria is for everyone,” Aiyedatiwa stressed.