The umbrella body of youths in Ondo state, Ondo State Youth Coalition has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) to succeed the state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, even as it warned the unsuspecting to be wary of swindlers on the prowl in the name of youth groups seeking politicians to swindle.
The coalition said it was not uncommon with dubious youths to parade fake credentials at this time to seek patronage from willing politicians who may want to use them to pursue a political agenda even when they are not in any way relevant to the system.
According to the coalition, the warning became necessary following what it described as “a malicious publication allegedly signed by one pseudo Dele Ayeni against the endorsement of Jegede by leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and various interest groups.
In a statement issued in Akure yesterday and signed by the President, Secretary and Public Relation Officers, Adekanmbi Oluwatuyi, Michael Oluwole and Obanoyen Abiola respectively, the coalition said there is no doubt that groups such as that of the non-existing Ayeni would want to step up their activities especially at an electioneering period to swindle unsuspecting and desperate politicians.
Defending the torrents of endorsements of Jegede as the preferred candidate of the PDP since he declared his aspiration, the coalition said it is legitimate for anyone to be ambitious just as it is legitimate for any individual or group to support whoever they think shares the vision and aspiration of the incumbent government.
“The support being enjoyed by Jegede’s aspiration so far with respect to becoming flag-bearer of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 26 election is based on merit, competence and integrity.
“We do not stand against any zone aspiring for the coveted seat of the Governor of our dear Sunshine state and we are not aware of any law preventing any aspirant from contesting for the party’s ticket at the shadow election slated for the 22nd of next month. Hence, we see no reason why anyone will consider it a crime for anyone to speak out his mind concerning his choice among the aspirants”, the statement read.
The group admonished youths in the state that it is time to look beyond ethnic, religious or factional sentiment in determining who pilots the affairs of the state for the next four years, adding that “we are at a very critical stage in the country and must look inward and ensure we support a candidate who can ensure that the current standard of education, quality health care, youth empowerment, human and capital development of government is sustained and improved upon even in the face of dwindling and gloomy economy”.
