Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Acting governor of Ondo State, has described the circumstances that thrust him up to his new position as a moment of sober reflection instead of celebration.
The Ondo State Governor, ailing Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had in a letter to the state House of Assembly, ceded executive powers to his deputy to serve as Acting Governor, as he embarked on another medical leave.
Speaking in in a statewide address on Thursday, December 14, after he
formally assumed duties as acting governor of the state, Aiyedatiwa, noted that it was a painful when nature distorts human performance.
In the address, Aiyedatiwa said: “We regret in no unmistakable terms the toll which this whole episode had inflicted on the psyche of the people and the development of the state.
“We must return quickly to the path of accelerated progress that has eluded the state in the last few months. We must excuse unnecessary distractions.
“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.
“Bearing in mind that 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.
“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.
“We must rise far above the intrigues and instability of the past and roll up our sleeves in service of the people. We are nothing but trustees of the people with whom we share a common humanity. We must and we will exercise with utmost discretion the privileges conferred on us by the great people of Ondo State.”
