Date Published: 08/16/09

Oni hails Arise's victory

Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has hailed the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ayo Arise in the Ekiti North Senatorial District bye-election election held on Saturday, describing it as well deserved and further confirmation of the PDP’s superiority over the opposition Action Congress (AC).

According to a media aide to the governor, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Governor Oni, who spoke during a thanksgiving service held at the St. Paul Catholic Church, Ifaki Ekiti on the election victory described Arise as a worthy son of Ekiti and a loyal member of the PDP, adding that the election results could not have been anything different considering the strength of the PDP in the senatorial district and the popularity of the candidate.

“Again, the people of Ekiti North Senatorial District in particular and Ekiti State in general have demonstrated their preference for our great, the PDP over the party of that lord of the manor  whose only pre-occupation is to use his ill-gotten wealth to purchase Yorubaland.

“I congratulate the teeming supporters of our party and the entire people of Ekiti State who made this sweet victory possible.

“I also felicitate with my brother, my friend, a worthy son of Ekiti and loyal party man, Senator Ayo Arise for this well deserved victory,” Oni said.

While condemning the wanton destruction of properties in Ifaki Ekiti, his hometown by thugs imported into the town by the AC candidate, Mr. Olu Adetumbi, Governor Oni said; “The level of barbarism exhibited yesterday was mind-boggling. I never thought anyone could take cruelty to the level of destroying property in his own place of birth. I wonder what they stand to gain by damaging vehicles that were parked by their owners, many of whom were apolitical. It was just one of those acts of barbarism that the AC and some of its desperate leaders have introduced to our political system and the security agencies must put a stop to it.

“I once again appeal to the people whose property was destroyed not to join the AC in their act of barbarism by retaliating in any way. We are going to take inventory of the property damaged and ensure that those who are affected are adequately compensated.”

Governor Oni called on politicians in the State to eschew bitterness, adding that development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.

Also speaking at the service, the officiating minister, Reverend Father Peter Ajayi Assumpta advised politicians to always put their fate in God, saying only God can put people in position of authority.

The Senator-elect, Ayo Arise thanked the people of Ifaki, in particular and the entire supporters of the PDP in the State for their support.

Present at the service were Deputy Governor, Dr. Sikiru Tae-Lawal, former deputy Governor, Abiodun Olujimi, PDP State Chairman, Hon. Bola Olu-Ojo, Chairman, State Primary Education Board, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, former Special Adviser to Governor Oni on Political Matters, Mr. Obafemi Adefemi, former Special Adviser to the deputy governor on Political and Economy, Mr. Bukky Bello and Deputy Chief of Staff to the deputy governor, Mr. Tosin Jegede.

Council Chairmen who graced the event included, Mrs. Tosin Aluko, (Ado), Wole Ayeni (Ikole), Babatunde Ogunmilugba (Oye) among others.