By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday congratulated Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, on his re-election as Governor of Ondo State for another four-year term.
The President lauded the resounding victory of the governor, noting that the votes garnered “show that one good turn surely deserves another.”
He thanked the people of Ondo State for keeping faith with their Governor, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that “the people know the person and party that truly serves them, and have spoken in clear voice and unmistakable terms.”
President Buhari appreciated the electorate in Ondo State for comporting themselves decently and in order, and for exhibiting conduct that indicated that the country was making progress in its electoral behavior.
He also gave kudos to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for organizing credible, free and fair election, and to security agencies that ensured that orderliness was enthroned and maintained.
The President urged Gov Akeredolu to be humble and magnanimous in victory, and serve the people of Ondo State even better than how he did in the first term, noting: “when you serve with heart and might, the people respond in like manner, and we can easily get to where we are headed as a country.”
In the same vein, the All Progressives Congress (APC) thanked the people of Ondo State for coming out enmasse to reelect Akeredolu.
A statement by the ruling party said: “As a Party, while we thank the Ondo electorate for voting for good governance, industrialisation, security, empowerment and general welfare of the state, we will continue to advocate for and support safe, free and credible elections that guarantee that valid votes count and the people will prevail.
“The APC particularly thanks President Muhammadu Buhari as leader of the Party and Governor Mai Mala Buni as Chairman of the Party’s Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee for rallying our supporters, members and leaders, particularly our governors in total support of our governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu.
“We also recognise and appreciate the tireless efforts of the Ondo State APC Reconciliation Committee chaired by the Governor of Niger State, H.E. Abubakar Sani Bello and the APC Ondo State Governorship National Campaign Council chaired by the Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Governor Akeredolu’s reelection is indeed testament to the inclusiveness, genuine reconciliation and peace the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker Committee has ensured among party ranks in Ondo State, other chapters and the Party in general.
“The election is concluded, the people have decided and there is no vanquished. We seek general support for Governor Akeredolu as he continues his work to return the Sunshine State to its deserved and progressive standing among states in the country.”
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has also congratulated Akeredolu and the APC), saying the triumph was well-deserved and heartwarming.
He noted that the election was a referendum on the stewardship of Governor Akeredolu in the last four years and that the Governor has passed the examination in flying colours.
The Senate President commended the people of Ondo State for their peaceful conduct at the poll, which he said demonstrated their confidence in their country’s democratic process.
“By the outcome of this election, the people of Ondo State have spoken in a loud and unambiguous voice that the APC offers the best platform for the pursuit of their development goals and political aspirations.
“The electoral victory in Ondo State is a re-affirmation of the people’s faith in the APC government and the capacity of Governor Akeredolu to continue the transformation of the state by consolidating on his achievements and opening new frontiers of development in the Sunshine State,” Lawan said.
