Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko

By Chuks Okocha, Aisha Wakaso, Segun Awofadeji and Adigbe Emeyonu

Goodwill messages Monday poured in for governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, over his re-election for a second term in office.

Reacting to the outcome of the election, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) described Mimiko’s re-election as a well-deserved victory.

In a statement signed by the Director General of the Forum, Asishana Okuaru, the Forum said: “This victory is recognition of your achievements since you came to office and an endorsement of your plans for the next four years.”

The statement said the forum “associates itself completely with the majority of the people of Ondo State for voting you back as their Governor.”

The forum implored other contestants to be gracious in defeat, stating that this was “the minimum we owe our fledgling democracy.”

The Forum commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media and several other stakeholders for a job well done. Also, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has congratulated Mimiko for emerging victorious in the election.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Oshiomhole said: “I wish to salute Governor Olusegun Mimiko for emerging victorious in the titanic electoral contest in Ondo State on October 20.

“From the results, it is quite clear that the Labour Party’s candidate is the people’s choice just as the standard-bearers of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deserve praise for giving a good account of themselves.  In the circumstance, it is only natural that one person will carry the day.

“So, I also like to congratulate the duo of Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), of ACN and Chief Olusola Oke of PDP for a gallant showing.

“For me, the ultimate victor in this contest is the people of Ondo State for turning out in large number to exercise the civic right. Such engagement is surely needed to enrich our electoral experience, thereby deepening the architecture of our democracy.
“Against this backdrop, I think Governor Mimiko should not miss this historic opportunity.  Much as he is required to justify the confidence reposed in him by offering quality leadership to the fabled Sunshine state in the times ahead, even more urgent is the need to heal and reunite the people after an acrimonious and fractious electioneering campaign.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not unaware that my party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, is still studying the results of the election. My comment here is without prejudice to whatever might be the position of the party after that study,” Oshiomhole said.

On his part, the governor of Niger State and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, congratulated Mimiko on his victory.
A statement signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, and made available to journalists Monday described Mimiko’s re-election as well deserved.

Aliyu, who urged Mimiko to use the fresh term of four years to consolidate on the good work he started during his first tenure as governor of the state, also advised the Labour Party (LP)-led government to extend a hand of fellowship to those who were defeated at the poll, saying only an all inclusive government can bring about the desired change for a better Ondo State.

Aliyu thanked the people of the state for their orderly conduct throughout the period of the election, urging them to continue to keep faith with Mimiko.

Meanwhile, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has commended Mimiko over his victory at the poll, advising him to be magnanimous in victory.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Ishola Michael Adeyemi, in Bauchi Monday, described the victory as a testimony of the acceptability of his good works and the development of the state in the last four years.

Yuguda further commended the people of Ondo State for expressing their minds through their votes in a most peaceful manner, pointing out that what they did was a confirmation that democracy remains the most effective form of governance.

He, however, called on him to ensure that his administration continued with the good works it started in order to impact the dividends of democracy on the people.