The Gubernatorial Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Bayo Adelabu on Sunday described the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a leader with sterling qualities whose achievements made politics attractive to him.
Speaking during a media parley with over 100 Social Media influencers including Bloggers and Online publishers, Adelabu said while his grandfather, late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi was a father of grassroot politics, Ajimobi is the father of modern development politics in the state.
According to him, the Governor has performed more than any of his predecessors especially in the area of security, infrastructure, education, and general transformation of all key sectors of governance towards public good.
He said Ajimobi is a leader and an achiever worthy of being celebrated because since 2003 when he began his political journey, he had won all the four elections he participated in ‘except the 2007 gubernatorial which he contested under a relatively unknown All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) but was rigged out by the powers-that be.”
Adelabu promised to continue with the transformation Ajimobi started over seven years ago if elected Governor in 2019, adding that, “through continuity, we are going to leave the state better than we are going to meet it.”
Recalling the experience of his sojourn in politics which climaxed with the ticket of the party he won few weeks ago, Adelabu said “it is not bread and butter, I must tell you. A lot of works, stress, sacrifice have been invested into it. And this is just the beginning of the sacrifice I have to make for the state to become greater and better. I must thank other aspirants like Engr. Joseph Tegbe, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Dr. Owolabi Babalola and indeed all the over 20 aspirants that signified intention in the race for their support and understanding so far. I returned all my thanks to my creator, the Governor, supporters and indeed all our party leaders and APC members statewide.
“I will fix the state’s problems and social services like unemployment and others shall be tackled head-on. We will bring lasting solutions and leave worthy legacies in our dear state. I have the youthful energy, skills, experience and wherewithal to change the fortunes of this great state.
“Real state developments started with Ajimobi and that was my number one attraction. Second factor is the ever changing political consciousness of our youth to politics as against old fashioned way that it was meant for illiterates. Also is the need for business professionals to contribute our quota and not be docile but take part in it for good governance because government is the major determinant of how society is run; policy, infrastructure, and so on.
“So, why are we then leaving politics in the hands of inferior people since decisions made would affect all of us? Three, if I succeed, it would be a morale booster for others to join and participate actively to give their best to turn our society around for good. And four, my participation would mean renewal of our family’s heritage; culture of service and populist agenda left by Penkelemesi which would be reenacted for public good,” the 48year-old governorship candidate said.
Adelabu who was quick to inform the gathering that they would hear more from him when campaign starts in full throttle next month, also read some of his agenda from his blueprint to the wide applause of the participants.
He then solicited the support and sympathy of the social media people for his genuine aspiration to better the lot of the people and engender greater developments to come into fruition from 2019 and beyond.
