Fidelis David in Akure
Dr. Abbas Mimiko, the younger brother of a former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has emerged the candidate of the Zenith Labour Party for the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Abass Mimiko, a medical doctor, emerged the candidate through affirmation in the primary of the party held on Wednesday at the state party secretariat in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking after his emergence, Dr Mimiko said he would give priority to education, health, economy and security of the state, if elected as governor of the thtate.
His words: “We are forced to be reckoned with in this election , we will ensure food security, within a year of our being in the office, we will have surplus of food in Ondo State, we will ensure affordable quality education, industrialisation, housing , free health services for all residents are part of our programmes.”
When asked if the former Governor, Olusegun Mimiko is supporting his ambition, as both of them are in different political parties, Abass said his brother threw his weight behind him in his aspiration to become the next governor of the state.
“Former Governor Mimiko said he had no doubt if Abass becomes the governor of the state, everyone will enjoy. My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements,” he declared.
In his remarks, the National Secretary of the ZLP , Mr Yahaya Wakama said the party was ready to take over the state from the ruling party, urging the members to work hard in order to achieve this .
“Let me remind us however that the days ahead will be even more demanding and disturbing. The signs of what we should expect are already here, the harassments, attacks and economic strangulation are some of the weapons that the ruling party will wield in their attempt to prevent the people’s will. But we cannot give up. We must resolve to snatch our state from the jaws of death and the predators whose only desire is to sink the ship of state. We must remain the voices of our people and work for their betterment.
“As we choose our governor today let us bear this in mind, while he will be our torchbearer, he cannot achieve anything by himself, he will need us. So we must all roll up our sleeves. The journey has begun and the work has started. No one can be a bystander and indeed no one should be a bystander. We must have all hands on deck. That is the only way we can achieve our desired results.”
Earlier, the party held a state congress where Mr Cornelius Akintoye emerged the new state chairman of the party in the state.
