The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has again stated that Adekunle
Akinlade of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) will win this year’s
governorship election in the state.
Amosun also advised the
federal government against deploying soldiers to the state for the
polls, even as he assured that the elections would be free of violence
in the state.
He stated this Monday night at the New Year cross-over fanfare held at Oke-Ilewo in Abeokuta.
The
governor, who was re-elected in 2015 on the platform of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) and is running for the Senate on the party’s
platform, is backing Mr Akinlade who moved to the APM after losing the
APC ticket to Dapo Abiodun.
According to Premium Times, the
ruling party’s candidate, Abiodun, is currently enmeshed in a
certificate forgery scandal after being exposed for not participating in
the mandatory one-year national youth service for Nigerians who obtain a
first degree or its equivalent before the age of 30 years.
Amosun
boasted that his protege, Akinlade, will beat Abiodun and other
contestants and emerge as the next governor to take over from him in
May.
The outgoing governor called on the people of the state to
make peace their watchword as the elections approach. “Let us prove to
the world that Ogun State is known for peace and a state which has
produced a number of eminent personalities in the country,” Amosun said.
“Let
us tell them that we don’t need the service of the military and police
for the conduct of election because we are going to comport ourselves as
peaceful people. And for the youth, don’t allow yourself to be used as
political thugs. Anybody who approaches for such, tell them to bring out
their children to join in the thuggery.”
As he prepares to leave
office, Amosun thanked the people of the state for their contributions
to the success of his administration, noting that the crossover ceremony
will be his last as their governor.
He expressed optimism that
the next edition of the event will be conducted by Akinlade, and he
would be invited as a former governor of the state.
Amosun said
he has done his bit in adding value to governance, noting that the
support he got from individuals and bodies contributed to his
achievements in office.
The crossover ceremony attracted a number
of fun-seekers who were entertained by various artistes and musicians.
Traditional rulers led by Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland also
graced the occasion.
Other notable personalities at the event
include Sarafa Ishola, a former Minister and Director-General, Akinlade
Campaign organisation; Olufunsho Amosun, wife of the governor;
Olanrewaju Bisiriyu, the Head of Service; Akinlade and Suraj Adekunbi,
Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly.
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