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THE CREED FOR ACTION
OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU ESQ. SAN
ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIGN
DECLARATION
@
AKURE
11TH APRIL 2012
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THE CREED FOR ACTION
INTRODUCTION
There is bound to be some unanimity in the opinions expressed on what
appears as progressive degeneration in Ondo State. There is virtually no
aspect of our lives that has not been affected, adversely, by a combination
of factors. The ascendance to position of authority by clueless elements in
all tiers of government is directly responsible for the parlous state of our
infrastructure. The situation at present is all the more deplorable owing to
the relentless pillage of our commonwealth by successive governments.
The state bleeds profusely at present from the devious designs of
functionaries who embark on meaningless projects ostensibly to defraud.
There has been a preponderance of over-bloated contracts for white
elephant projects, a direct indication of a regrettable mindset predisposed
to looting.
There have been attempts made to elevate cheap propaganda to state art;
suborned tabloids fall over themselves to sing the praises of a
directionless political leadership. Nebulous civil society organisations
promoted by the government of the day shower encomiums on the
Governor endlessly. It has taken outsiders to recognise the imaginary
achievements of the current government. The reality on ground is the
day-to-day song and dance which is dubbed governance. Sycophancy is
promoted and genuine criticisms offered to government attract caustic
reactions. The recent revelation on the mindless looting of scarce
resources in the state supports our position that the art of governance
must not be left in the hands of those whose sole purpose in government
is crude acquisition of material wealth.
I make a solemn pledge to reverse this unfortunate trend. Our great party,
Action Congress of Nigeria, as my choice of political platform to realise
this dream, is not fortuitous. I have been an ardent follower of Chief
Obafemi Awolowo’s political philosophy right from my secondary school
days. The Action Group was a party whose achievements remain
unrivalled in the annals of politics in Nigeria. I grew up in Owo and
witnessed the progressive politics of the nascent party at a close distance.
Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin was an inspiration to most of us in those
days. The Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, rose from the ashes of the AG
with four cardinal programmes during the Second Republic. It was the
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only party with a clear vision on how to solve the socio-economic
problems facing the country.
The Alliance for Democracy offered a redemptive message to the people
of the South West at the beginning of the current democratic experience
in 1999. Action Congress emerged to salvage the west from the
rampaging locusts, exponents of the dubious gospel of “mainstream”
politics. The unadulterated message of the new party provided the much
needed balm for the bruised psyche of our people. Other people who
believe in this lofty dream soon joined the Action Congress (AC) to form
a larger party now known as Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is
arguably the most formidable opposition party in the country today.
I enter politics with a mark of integrity and uncommon dedication to the
service of the people. My most recent assignment as the President of the
Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, at a time when the country’s political
situation was precarious places me at a vantage position to lead the state
at this critical moment. I make bold to say that I have remained rooted to
the state of my birth despite my sojourn in another state where I practise
my profession. My stint in government as the Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice in the state made it possible for me to
understand the intricacies of governance. I know the challenges faced by
our people and I dare say that most of the socio-economic problems of
the state are a direct result of lack of vision on the part of many of the
successive governments in our State, most especially in recent times.
I have practised law for the better part of my adult life and make bold to
assert that my unceasing interactions with the Judiciary, Legislative and
Legal Institutions place me in a better stead to ensure equity, justice, fairplay,
real investments and physical development of the state in
accordance with the law. I shall embark on developmental programmes
making the people the central focus. At no time will my administration
trample on the rights of the citizens in a bid to mask massive looting and
diversion of the state’s resources. I shall embark on policies of
transformation which generations yet unborn will consider imperishable.
I shall arrest the drift to bankruptcy if I am given the opportunity to serve
the state. The practice which limits the art of governance to the allocation
of revenue from the centre without any ingenious means of creating
wealth will be a thing of the past. I shall strive to establish a synergy
between the private and the public sectors. Civil servants will be
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encouraged to perform the roles for which their offices were established
in the first instance. The economic potentials of the state will be fully
realised. The resources of the state shall be deployed to enhance the
quality of existence of the citizenry.
The welfare of our people shall constitute the primary purpose of
governance. Government, under my leadership, shall maintain a balanced
economic growth. We will be responsible and responsive to the people.
Nature has endowed our state bountifully; I shall avail myself of Ondo
State’s unique qualities and shall utilise capital stocks to improve the lot
of our people. Since development is about people, it will be a matter of
priority for our government to harness the natural, human and cultural
capitals. The near-absolute dependence on oil revenue is unhealthy for a
state whose contribution to the economic development of the old Western
Region was phenomenal. The mere lip service always paid to the crucial
issue of development by successive governments and the deceptive
window dressing of the current administration is antithetical to real
growth.
Our natural capitals, both renewable and non-renewable resources, shall
be managed properly. We shall ensure that the rate of harvest does not
exceed the rate of generation, that is, sustainable yield. In a similar vein,
waste generation and disposal will be handled in a manner that will
ensure that the assimilative capacity of the environment is not overstretched
(sustainable waste disposal). For non-renewable resources, the
rates of waste generation from projects shall not exceed the assimilative
capacity of the environment. The depletion rates should require
comparable development of renewable substitute for those non-renewable
resources such as hydro-carbon (bitumen, oil and gas), solid minerals and
others.
I will strive strenuously to develop the infrastructural base of the state to
an extent that will attract investments. The unique location of our state in
the country will bring genuine businessmen with long term interest in
investing in industries thereby enhancing commercial activities. Tourism
shall become a veritable source of revenue for our state. Our ancient
cities such as Owo, Idanre, Ondo, Oke-Igbo, Okitipupa, Ikare, Akure,
among others, shall witness unprecedented transformation in the area of
tourism. Construction and maintenance of roads shall be a priority in my
administration.
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Our state used to occupy a pride of place in the country as one of the
foremost localities with highly educated indigenes. The rich cultural
heritage of our various communities is legendary. Not a few patriotic
indigenes now wonder how we came to this sorry pass. Can any honest
person join the current bandwagon of praise singers when all there is to
governance is the performance of the absurd? My administration, if
elected, will endeavour to do more than the current showbiz in the
educational sector. Public schools will compete favourably with the best
private schools in the state.
We shall embark on aggressive and massive agricultural and maritime
projects with a view to creating jobs. We will promote cottage industries
which will serve as catalysts to revamp economic activities in the rural
areas. The government will lay a very solid foundation for the agricultural
sector. Exportation of cash crops and semi-finished products will be
achieved to stimulate the economic space and bring real prosperity to
farmers as against cash hand-outs, a practice designed to defraud the
state. Training of farmers in modern farming technology will attract
prime attention from my administration.
Health care delivery system will be developed to an acceptable
international standard which the state can afford to render, comparable to
what obtains in advanced countries if our resources are properly
managed. We will develop primary health care delivery system to the
extent that infant and maternal mortality rates will be drastically reduced.
Our judiciary will be overhauled to enhance quick dispensation of justice.
We will restore hope in the judicial arm of government by ensuring its
independence in the true sence and providing the necessary infrastructural
support. As an active practitioner, I possess sufficient grasp of the needs
of the judiciary. These challenges will be confronted headlong as far as
the extant law permits. I started the reforms when I served as the Attorney
General and Commissioner for Justice of the state. I have since
encountered a bigger picture of the systemic failure in the judiciary as a
very active Bar man and, more importantly, as a former President of the
NBA. My modest achievements are eloquent testimonies to my
determination to make things work in our state.
Our state has been in the news lately due to the aggressive self-promotion
of the government, a thing to expect in the year of election. We were also
made to know that certain elements have been feeding fat on the scarce
resources of the state through nebulous projects and over bloated
contracts. It is sad indeed to know that the real reason why the
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functionaries of the government have thrown themselves into a state of
frenzy in their so called quest for developmental projects is far from their
belief in altruism. Not only will we prevent such fiscal recklessness and
brazen abuse of power, we will be determined to sanction anyone who
tinkers with the resources of the state.
I shall be launching a “State Development Plan” which will act as a guide
towards the realisation of the afore-stated objectives. I intend to predicate
my Vision, based on democratic ideals, on a Five Point Agenda. My
Vision is to make Ondo State the economic, industrial and
technology-driven commercial hub of the South West geo-political
zone where quality of life is sustained in both the rural enclaves and
urban centres based on the principles of regional competitiveness and
integration. The cardinal principles upon which my administration shall
set sail are listed below:
1. Agriculture
2. Knowledge
3. Entrepreneurship
4. Technology
5. Infrastructure
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AGRICULTURE
Food Security
The government under my leadership will ensure that there is a marked
departure from the current practice wherein farmers are dumped and
forgotten in obscure centres in the rural areas and are brought out
periodically for photo sessions to score cheap political points. We shall
take the issue of farm settlements as a top priority. It is scandalous that an
issue as basic as food is becoming a major challenge in a state which
paraded wealthy farmers in the past. Only experts who are ready to assist
in solving problems will be engaged at any level.
The knowledge that this state can serve as the food basket of the region,
against the backdrop of the heart-corroding over-dependence on oil
revenue, is scandalous, to state the least. There is no part of the state that
is not economically viable. It takes a visionary leadership to recognise the
significance of agriculture in the economy of the state. Cash crops such as
cocoa, rubber, oil palm, coffee, timber, cow pea, cassava, yam, kolanut,
maize, Soya beans, citrus, plantain etc can be cultivated on an industrial
scale in the state.
Cocoa is cultivable in all parts of the state. It is sad indeed that this
erstwhile money spinner plays no noticeable role in the so called
internally generated revenue in the state today. What justification can
there be for the relegation of this cash crop to subsistence existence? Is
anyone thinking of what the resuscitation of the cultivation of this cash
crop will do to the moribund industries in the state? My administration
will encourage the establishment of agro-allied industries which have the
capacity to produce cocoa butter, cocoa powder, cocoa liquor and
beverages. Any private concern which displays sufficient commitment
towards development along the line of production will be most welcome.
Rubber is found in Araromi Obu and the Forest Belt of the state in
commercial quantity. How great will it be if the industries rushing to
Ghana are convinced to return to Ondo State for the purpose of
manufacturing tyre for both local consumption and export?
Oil Palm is cultivable in all parts of the state. Malaysia came to the
country to pick palm kernel seedlings in 1962. That country is the chief
exporter of palm oil products in the world today. My administration will
revive the cultivation of oil palm plantations in the state.
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Coffee can be cultivated in the Forest Zones. Beverages and stimulants
can be produced from this crop.
Timber abounds in the Forest zones and a few other areas in the state.
Planks, logs, panels will be available for both local use and export. Cow
pea, yam and cassava can be cultivated in almost every part of the state.
Grits, flour, adhesives, starch, feeds, cassava chips, livestock, yeast and
mosquito expellers are direct derivatives of these crops. Kolanut can
flourish in Oke igbo, Ondo, Ijare, Ore, and generally in Forest zone.
Maize is a staple crop in most parts of the western region. From this we
can derive corn flour, grit and maize for domestic and industrial use.
The cultivation of Soya beans, citrus and plantain may be widespread in
that virtually all parts of our state can engage in their farming even on an
industrial scale. Citrus will give fruit juice, animal feeds, wines, baby
food, essence oil etc. With Soya beans the state will get cereal and barley
products, margarines and oil etc. Plantain supplies plantain flour,
chips/crisps and plantain ball.
Our farmers shall receive technical assistance from experts on how to
improve their farming techniques. My administration will establish
Produce purchasing board akin to what operated in the Action Group
days. Farmers will be protected from all forms of exploitation. Large
scale farmers will be encouraged by the government. The government
will partner with banks which are ready for real business to guarantee
loan facilities extended to genuine farmers with verifiable claims.
I promise to lay the foundation for rejuvenation of agriculture in the real
sense. Our state has no reason running cap in hand begging for
allocations of even several years ahead of the constitutionally guaranteed
term to service greed. It is an insult to the memory of the hard-working
people of the state, indeed our ancestors who laboured strenuously to
bring prosperity to our land, for anyone to collect huge hand-outs from
Abuja and embark on a voyage of discovery, executing state policies
whimsically and expecting applause for embracing the philosophy of
waste and thievery.
Land Reforms
My administration will ensure orderly spatial development. The
emergence of reserved slums in the major towns of our state will be
halted. Government will ensure that areas designated for industry and
agriculture are not appropriated for other purposes. Our residential
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quarters must be accessible and conducive to peaceful existence.
Designated commercial centres will be developed and maintained. I
intend to engage the services of experts in Geographic science to advise
on how to manage our environment for efficiency and improved
productivity.
KNOWLEDGE
Qualitative Education
The state of education in the country today should ordinarily excite
disquiet. Our state which used to be a reference point in the past has also
slipped, regrettably, into the league of educationally disadvantaged states.
This is tragic indeed. The State, under our administration, will make
education free and compulsory at primary and secondary school levels.
Employment and periodic training of qualified teachers will also be our
priority. Our public schools will be restored to their former glory. No
section of our state will be discriminated against through government
policies. All existing public schools shall feel the positive impact of
governance.
Our Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education will receive
close attention from my administration. The problem of under-funding
will be addressed. Of utmost significance to me shall be the issue of
curriculum review by our institutions to meet the challenges of the 21st
century. We must all work towards reversing the unfortunate trend which
has continually ensured that not only are our graduates not employed,
most of them are also not employable. Education at all tiers shall aim to
train students to become better citizens. Graduates of our higher
institutions will possess three key qualities upon graduation; critical
thinking, initiative and effective communication skills.
Other centres of learning such as school of nursing, vocational schools
among others shall be adequately funded and equipped to meet the
demands of development.
Information Technology shall form another plank upon which the
administration will base development. Our government shall invest in
ICT and our schools and institutions of higher learning stand to derive
immense benefits from the acquisition of IT knowledge.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Economy
The state will initiate policies that will encourage less dependence on
revenue allocation from the centre progressively. It is ironic that our state
which contributed immensely to the economic growth of the defunct
Western Region is almost helpless without the hand-outs from the Federal
Government. My administration hopes to look critically into the
following areas with a view to diversifying the economy:
Tourism will be developed as an alternative source of revenue in the
state. Our tourist sites in Aiyetoro Coastal Zone, Idanre mythical and
historical hills, Ebomi Lake held religious awe by the people of Ipesi-
Akoko, the mythical Igbo Olodumare in Oke-Igbo and other sites will be
developed for the visits of local and international tourists. Other
monuments of imperishable significance will be preserved and protected
for the state. Our efforts will provide jobs, create legitimate avenues for
trade and provide revenue for the state.
Our natural resources will be exploited for the benefit of the people of the
state. Our state has no business with poverty. There is limestone, shale,
gypsum, silica sand, bitumen among others. The rural areas will feel the
direct impact of governance. To achieve this end the government, under
my leadership, will be committed to creating enabling enviroment for the
establishment of the following:
Coastal and Inland Fish Farming
Red Brick Manufacturing Plant at Okitipupa
Ofada Rice Mill at Alade in Idanre and along rivers floodplains
Glass and Silica Sand Factories at Akure
Stone Quarries in Akoko
Exploration and Development of Solid Mineral Resources such as;
1. Clay in Lamu in Akure LGA, and Shogbon in Okitipupa LGA;
2. Iron-ore Akunnu in Akoko N.E;
3. Kaolin in Ifon in Owo LGA
4. Lignite in Ute, Owo LGA;
5. Silica Sand in Igbokoda;
6. Tar Sand in Foriku and Ode Aye etc.
There is no point restating the fact that our industries have either folded
up or are operating far below capacity level. Political office holders play
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unprofitable games with issues of development. I will provide leadership
that will free our people from this unfortunate hand-out mentality, a
situation which has reduced professionals to miserable rent collectors,
contractors and even pimps. Our people have the capacity to be great
again. We ranked among the best in the past. We have no business being
poor.
Transportation of goods and services will be improved to meet the
realities of an aspiring modern economy. Our waterways will be utilised
to reduce the traffic and its attendant risk on the badly maintained
Highways. It will be possible for anyone who intends to travel to Lagos
or Ogun States from Ondo State to do so with minimal stress. In addition
to this, our administration will encourage interested investors from the
private sector to partner with members of the public to promote transport
companies. The government will actively encourage this venture to ease
the burden of transportation.
Our women, market women, professionals, artisans and petty traders shall
be encouraged and actively supported to form cooperative societies.
Micro finance facilities will be readily available to support those who are
genuinely interested in adding economic value to our efforts in our quest
for the development of the state.
In addition, the government hopes to join the rest of the region in
restoring the lost glory. Rail lines linking the states in the region will
serve as significant stimulus to the aspiration for economic integration.
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TECHNOLOGY
Our administration shall establish a TECHY VILLAGE in the three
Senatorial districts of the state in a public-private partnership
arrangement. The taking off of these villages will be of immense
assistance to our artisans. In addition to the acquisition of new skills, they
will be able to update their knowledge in their chosen vocation. The
government on its own part will encourage these artisans by making them
participate in government projects. Our administration will discourage the
practice which has reduced our people to miserable vendors of
necessaries for the patronage of technicians imported to do what the
people themselves are capable of doing, if given the chance. Our people
will be engaged as part of our administration’s strategy of empowering
the masses.
Different vocations will be accommodated in this all-embracing attempt
to free our people from poverty imposed by directionless government.
Major public works will be executed by qualified companies, no doubt.
Ancillary inputs must come from the local populace. Our people shall be
trained for the purpose of development. They will be carried along in
realising our vision and mission of laying the foundation for a selfsustaining
environment.
Artisans will be encouraged to take some time off their trades to be able
to update their skills and they will still be able to generate income. No
segment of the society will be neglected. The immediate effect of this
policy will be easily discernible in the progressive decline in the influx of
people from the rural areas to Akure, Ondo, Owo, Ikare and other urban
centres in search of ever elusive opportunities.
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INFRASTRUCTURE
Environment/Infrastructure Management
Our administration will take the issue of the environment very seriously.
Our roads, hospitals, drainages, markets and other public utilities shall be
fixed and managed to derive maximum benefits. The local governments
will be encouraged to partner with the state in this regard.
Energy
Any aspiration towards technological development will remain a mirage
in the main if the challenge posed by inadequate supply of energy
persists. No state can run a productive economy on generator. My
administration will enter into partnership with interested and serious
private businessmen in the energy sector. We shall strive to generate
electricity in addition to the little supplied through the national grid. This
will serve as a tremendous boost to the near-moribund industries in the
state.
Health Care Delivery
Primary health care delivery has been a major challenge in the state. It is
not enough for government to build health centres in the rural areas
without adequate personnel, equipment and drugs. We shall ensure that
health officers are engaged to monitor our facilities and insist on the best
hygiene practices which will curb the spread of preventable diseases. We
shall invest heavily in the health sector. The difference in our approach,
however, will be that the people shall have real access to medi-care.
Water Resources
It is highly regrettable that there is no city in Ondo State today, almost 37
years after its creaion, where water runs from the tap. It is also
disgraceful that a government that receives a huge sum as monthly
allocation has been unable or unwilling to provide water for the people to
drink. Is it not ironic that our state, part of which is situated on the coastal
plains, lacks water for human consumption? Of what benefit is the
construction of a fountain when no living abode has water? It is a mark of
lack of depth on the path of the “caring” government to place much
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premium on beautification project which has no direct relevance to the
welfare of the people at a great cost.
We shall harness water resources in the state to provide potable water for
domestic and industrial use.
Road Consrtuction
The current administration is embarking on some road construction
limited to few urban arears, no doubt. The issue in question, amongst
others, borders on the cost of the work being done at present. Our
administration will halt the practice which allows contractors to act
unethically while dealing with state resources. We shall embark on the
construction of more roads both in the urban and rual areas of the state.
Security
One of the major issues which threaten the peaceful co-existence in the
country today is security. The government at the centre has been so lax in
this regard. The state government appears to be too busy with contractors
and other jobbers to consider this issue as important. The warped idea of
federalism practised by us emasculates the so called Chief Security
Officer who is the Governor. My administration will put in place an
effective community policing. Above all, the greatest security in the state
will be found in the quality of attention given to the welfare of the people.
Our youths will be employed to secure the state. They will complement
the efforts of the police and other security agencies.
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CONCLUSION
The starting point for good governance is transparency, accountability of
leadership to the people and judicious use of resources for meaningful
impact and development.
I shall endeavour to meet the people of the state periodically to render an
account of my stewardship and have a direct feedback from them.
Indigenes and citizens alike will be free to ask any question from
government functionaries. The government in turn will use the medium to
explain its policies and gauge their impact of their implementation on the
citizenry.
I bring myself forward to seek the mandate of the good people of Ondo
State imbued with confidence that I possess deep understanding of the
crucial socio-economic issues which must be resolved for the progress of
the state. I am more than convinced that given my experiences of
administrative processes, my training as an attorney coupled with an
unbroken stretch of practice for almost three and a half decades and my
passionate bid to ensure that our beloved state is free from directionless
and dishonest government, I stand out among other eminent indigenes of
the state to bring about the much desired change.
I choose ACN political platform which represents restoration of hope for
the masses. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is in Lagos holding aloft the
banner of quintessential performance. Adams Oshiomole has exposed
the lie in the seeming impossibility of making the people feel the impact
of governance in Edo State. Rauf Aregbesola is busy demystifying the
grandiose charade put in place to loot the resources of the good people of
Osun State. This ascetic has proved to those who doubted the possibility
of managing the scarce resources of a provincial enclave with daunting
challenges that governance can only be meaningful if those in
government order their priorities right.
Kayode Fayemi is bringing to bear on governance in Ekiti State his
cerebral competence. There are flashes of inspiration in the fountain of
knowledge. Abiola Ajimobi is poised to clean the augean stable of
ineptitude and corruption in the Pacesetter State. The people of Oyo
State now have hope for a better tomorrow Ibikunle Amosun is making
frantic efforts to turn around the gateway state after the activities of the
locusts. The expectations of the people of Ogun State are very high. This
chartered accountant is busy taking stocks of the level of malfeasance. He
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has left no one in doubt as to his intention to make things work in the
state.
Above all, the ACN is the only political party in the country which has
provided the alternative platform for the people of the country. The south
west is determined to free itself from the debilitating effects of
directionless government. Our people in Ondo State are poised to join
their kinsmen in other states in the region for the emancipation of the
downtrodden masses.
The leaders of our party are notable individuals with enviable pedigree.
They have provided veritable alternative to the behemoth which is
resolute on keeping our people down as miserable underlings.
In this regard, an especial mention must be made of the efforts of
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the party. The political
elites in the country are still coming to terms with the wizardry of this
great leader whose activities continue to pose threat to those who hold the
people by the jugular. Chief Bisi Akande, a former Governor of Osun
State and Chairman of the party, whose antecedents are a constant
embarrassment to the prodigal, has remained a bulwark of resistance to
bad governance and irresponsible behaviour. Other party stalwarts are
also worthy of mention. When the political history of this country is
written the names of all these patriots will be etched in gold.
I present myself for service as a humble indigene of this state. My
aspiration is not borne out of desperation to grab executive power for self
aggrandizement. I have practised law for well above three decades and
can only thank God for his mercies. I am convinced that I can make the
difference in the fortune of the state. I have the necessary experience and
contact to make things work in our state for the benefit of the people.
I promise that if elected to carry the banner of our great party in the
next election, I shall abide by the precepts of the party. Together we
shall strive to salvage the seemingly hopeless situation.
My sleeves are rolled up to hit the ground running.
I am ready to work. Are you ready?
LET’S GO
. . . its time for service. No more labour loss.
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Bi ise o ba peni, a ki pese
Mo se tan lati sise. Se eyin na setan?
Eje ka bere
… asiko ise ya. A o ni sise ase danu.
I count on your support to realise this ambition.
OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU, ESQ, SAN.
I sure say you no near secondary school,when your papa dey force you make you go school you say na mechanic you wan go learn,see wetin you do yourself sotey you no sabi wetin dem dey call SUMMARY. You just enter one website go copy three pages come paste for NL,take time oooooo |
