By Junaid Abdullahi
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has thrown the olive branch to all his opponents in the just concluded gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Aiyedatiwa made the move in an acceptance speech on Sunday after defeating 15 other governorship opponents to become the candidate of the APC in Ondo.
The gubernatorial candidate, who was deputy to the late Rotimi Akeredolu, took over the reins of the state after the latter’s demise.
The governor said a contest like the primary exercise comes with “discordant tunes”.
“Let me at this time acknowledge and thank all the aspirants who threw their hats into the ring in the family contest to be the flag-bearer: Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, Hon. Isaac D. Kekemeke, Hon. Gbenga Edema, Mr. Ohunyeye Olamide Felix, Hon. Olujimi Odimayo, Mr. Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Morayo Lebi Esq, Prince Diran Iyantan, Prof. Francis Faduyile, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, Mrs. Funmilayo Waheed Adekojo and Engr. Funke Omogoroye,” he said.
“Your participation has created so much awareness within and outside our party. You mobilized our members and removed apathy.
“You have also brought in numerous new members into the party. All of these have enriched our democracy and strengthened our party in the state.
“Democracy sometimes, after a contest like this, comes with discordant tunes. But this is not the time to hold grudges against anyone but for all of us to come together to work for the success of our great party so as to remain in power.
“We will all gain in this party, though at different times, if we keep faith. I salute your courage and keen interest to lead the State towards development. It is your right and you are qualified and worthy members of our party.
“I want to specially thank the President and Leader of our party, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership.
Aiyedatiwa encouraged everyone to work together to build Ondo.
