Date Published: 07/05/09

Falae backs Mimiko, urges the people to support him 

The National Chairman of the Democratic People’s Alliance (DPA) and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae has thrown his weight behind the choice of Dr Olusegun Mimiko as governor of Ondo state, saying that the people had made the right choice. He also urged the people of the State to give Mimiko their support so that he could bring about the elusive dividends of democracy to the State in record time.

 Chief Olu Falae, who spoke at the weekend in Ilu-Abo in Akure north local government area of the state, during a reception organized in honour of the state chief of protocol, Mr Dayo Awude, described Dr Mimiko as a progressive politician who has made a landmark achievement in the field of politics in the country.

The elder statesman, who is also the traditional head of Ilu-Abo, appreciated the firm belief of the Governor in the rule of law and due process, especially in the pursuance of his stolen mandate which he eventually retrieved via the Judiciary on February 23, 2009, adding that if not for his matured mind Ondo State would have boiled at that period.

His words “thank God for this time, you will not believe, during that time, there were shooting up and down all in the name of selfish interest. They really wanted to rule by all means. Today the will of God has come to pass”.

According to him, Dr Mimiko belongs to a class of politicians, who, he noted, believe in the sanctity of the ballot boxes and free and fair election as opposed to those who believe in electoral violence and rigging of election to grab power. He added that the governor’s commitment to the enthronement of good governance and exemplary leadership quality could not be underestimated.

“Governor Mimiko is not a man to be pressed before he rises to the task of meeting the yearnings and aspiration of the people. Undoubtedly, he will make a difference but we must all support him to succeed” said chief Falae.

Falae, who noted that the community has been deprived of dividends of democracy for a long time, solicited the assistance of the state government in the construction of the road leading to the community and provision of secondary school to alleviate the suffering of their children who had to trek long distances to attain education.

In his speech, the Ondo State governor, appreciated the leadership role of Chief Falae as a political icon and exemplary traditional leader, describing him as his role model.

The governor noted that his administration was ready to welcome constructive and productive criticism that would assist in the actualization of its vision for the people of the state.

Responding, the Ondo State chief of Protocol, Mr Dayo Awude, who thanked God for his wisdom and care, appreciated governor Mimiko for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to disappoint the people of the state.