Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, promised to immortalise his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa, who became the governor of the state following the death of Akeredolu last week, also promised to continue and complete all the projects embarked upon, across the state by his predecessor.
He made this promise in his New Year statewide broadcast on Monday.
Aiyedatiwa, while expressing gratitude to God for surviving the year 2023, acknowledged that the past year was one of the most trying years since the existence of the state.
The Governor said, “It was a year that ended with the unfortunate loss of our dear former governor and leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. Arakunrin left an indelible mark on the annals of time and his contributions to the development of our state, and indeed Nigeria, are etched in history.
“As promised, we will not only give our late former governor a befitting state burial but will also immortalise his name, just as we will strive to complete all the developmental projects he embarked upon as Governor of Ondo State.
“His death was preceded by events that tested us in diverse ways but those challenges have shaped our resolve to, more than ever before, bring our people together and pursue the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous Ondo State. It is time to put the past behind us and focus all our human and material resources on building on the foundation that this administration has so far laid.”
As some elections would be taking place this year in the state, Aiyedatiwa urged all the gladiators and stakeholders to play the game according to the rules and shun all forms of violence before, during and after the elections.
“As we are all aware, this is also the year for our governorship election. Expectedly, political activities will gain prominence as we march towards the election. However, let me implore all political parties, aspirants and their followers to eschew violent conduct that can threaten the peace and tranquility of our state and ensure that they follow strictly the guidelines issued by the electoral umpire.
“The election should be a contest of ideas and choices, not an opportunity to settle political scores or an excuse for calumny.”