By Fisayo Akinduro

The Ondo State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assured that the state will return to the path of accelerated progress in order to fast-track development in the state.

This is even as he solicited genuine support, cooperation and dedication from every member of the Government,  stressing that a renewed unity will berth the significant and accelerated development clearly envisioned and vigorously pursued by his principal, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He said the government must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary object of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

Aiyedatiwa stated this on Thursday during a statewide broadcast in Akure.

Recall that the State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed Aiyedatiwa as the Acting Governor of the state. The State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu through his letter to the Assembly transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa in acting capacity, while he proceeded on medical leave.

In his address, the Acting Governor noted that the events of the past months have challenged the state, hence the need to be united and avoid distractions.

He acknowledged the sterling performance of Governor Akeredolu whose footprints changed the facet of the State’s development.

Aiyedatiwa described Akeredolu as a transformational and courageous leader who has turned around the fortunes of the State in the last six and-a-half years.

“In all facets of our development, be it governance, security, health, education, economy, infrastructure, industrialisation and others, his footprints are foundational and will serve the state in greater heights in the future.

“Bearing in mind the very huge responsibility of governance, I must emphasise that the task is indeed not one that one individual can accomplish alone. It is a gigantic task that requires inclusive engagement, focus and collective actions from both the government and the governed. We, therefore, implore you all across the State, young and old, to contribute your utmost commitment, cooperation and support towards advancing the State in our development trajectory.

“We can no longer be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We must stand together until the end. We must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary object of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Let us build a shared future from a divided past. We owe no less to the good people of the Sunshine State.”

The acting Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Godwin Akpabio, the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and other top national officials of the party for providing succour to Ondo State at a critical time of cloud and need.

He also appreciated the good people of the State, the Speaker and members of Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the state Executive Council, Senators and members of the House of Representatives, the State Chairman, working committee members and leaders of the APC.

The Acting Governor further expressed his confidence that “our democracy would be further enriched with the hard lessons learnt from this episode. For us in government, this whole experience should open a new place in our hearts; a place where we must appreciate that the trust vested in us as a part of the small privileged percentage of people, must be used for the best welfare of the larger percentage of the people.