Ondo State governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, upon his return from a tour to Germany at the weekend, has declared full support for the senatorial ambition of his wife, Betty, for Imo East Senatorial District.
Last weekend, the governor was rumoured dead, but his return put a lie to the rumour.
Akeredolu also on Saturday appeared on a short video, which went viral, singing and dancing to prove that he was hale and hearty.
The video which was posted on Facebook by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde read: “Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, arrived at the International wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria at exactly 10:35pm on Sunday, April 17, 2022.”
The video also showed the Special Adviser to Akeredolu on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Ademosu, with the governor.
The state government had on April 7, 2022, clarified that Akeredolu was not hospitalised in Germany or anywhere, and had said the rumours were mere wishes of failed politicians who now carry the burden of uncanny distrust and embedded treachery.
The rebuttal came following a report published by an online medium, claiming that Akeredolu was hospitalised in Germany.
As for his wife’s aspiration to contest the Imo East Senatorial election in 2023, however, Akeredolu in a statement personally signed by him, said he believed in the mission of the First Lady to emancipate women from the shackles of all forms of oppression.
He described his wife, Betty, as a fiercely independent personality who is never afraid to voice her dissent on any issue, saying, “I have witnessed her triumphs over adversities at close quarters.”
In the statement, titled Public Service: ‘The Greatest Privilege’ Akeredolu added: “Betty, FLOOS, let me choose this great day in our lives, our 41st wedding Anniversary to notch up in print my support for your popular and known quest to serve your people in the Senate.
“The evolution of modern societies bears indelible evidence of significant inputs of few people. This trajectory records definitive impacts of those who dare to think and act differently.
“The consequence of this defiance finds expression in radical departure from the old order, leading to transformation. It yields quality accretions which impact positively on the people in any given space.
“The world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus. These torch bearers withstand the brunt of vilification, contempt, deprivation and even rejection. They remain undaunted until the set goal is achieved. They are rarely praised afterwards.
“Public service is taken as the highest form of participation in the affairs of a human community, state or a country. It ennobles anyone, privileged to serve, whose tenacity, focus and integrity ensure development. Only a few are truly equipped for service. They must be encouraged at all times.”