By Ayodele Oni
Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has disclosed that the Supreme Court Judgement on the Governorship election of the State between him and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, nearly aborted the conduct of Local Government Election in the State last year due to mounting pressure.
The Governor said these while playing host to the 18 Council Chairmen in the State who came to congratulate him on his election victory at the Supreme Court.
The Local Government Election was conducted before the October Governorship election in the State with candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) winning all the Chairmanship seats.
Governor Akeredolu declared that “As you said, we had pressure not to hold your election. We thank God that we had the courage to do it. You have done so well in your positions till now.
“Whatever victory, whatever success that we have recorded is laid at the doorestep of God alone.
“Specially for the victory at the Supreme Court, we need to thank God. It could have been otherwise. I must thank you for all you have said.
“Yes. I don’t participate in your Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC). When your money comes, it gets to you.
“We have financial challenges. The only thing for you is to get creative. Do something in your own local governments and let us know. Do something that is peculiar to you.”
The Council bosses led by the Chairman of ALGON in the State who doubles as the Chairman of Akoko Southwest Local Government, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe, described the Supreme Court verdict as a victory for the people of the state.
The Chairmen lauded Governor Akeredolu’s style of politics and approach to governance, stressing that he has shown the world that politics can be played in truth and sincerity
They also thanked the Governor for purchasing for the Councils brand new caterpillars after fifteen years since such intervention was last witnessed at the various local government areas.
Akeredolu won at the Supreme Court by a slim margin of four against three.
