Mimiko To Akeredolu: I’ll Ensure A Smooth Transition By February 2017

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the outgoing governor of Ondo state has promised to ensure a smooth transition of the administration of the state to the governor-elect, Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu by February 24, 2017

Governor Mimiko gave the assurance on Wednesday when Mr. Akeredolu and some bigwigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state paid him a courtesy visit at the government office in Alagbaka, Akure.

He disclosed that his outgoing administration would put in place a transition committee that would harmonize a ‘smooth handover’ exercise with the incoming government of the All Progressives congress (APC) led by Mr. Akeredolu.

According to the governor, the transition process that would be initiated in February 2017 would be the first in the history of the state especially from one civilian government to other.

“It is unusual for an incoming governor to be this generous and we are making with history because in the history of this state.

“This is the first civilian-to-civilian transition that will be seamless and I am proud to be part of this history”, he said.

The governor who expressed gratitude to the residents of the state for their peaceful manner before and after the governorship election of the state also tasked the Mr. Akeredolu to make peace and tranquility his watchword during his reign.

“The greatest legacy you can give the people of this state is peace and it is our responsibility to ensure that the peace we have been enjoying in this state must be sustained.

“In working towards this, it involves a lot of political tolerance to create peaceful atmosphere and environment and I am sure you are a man of peace.
“I like to assure you that we will always be there to offer advice or whatever we have

“The fact that our transition is seamless, we must have a colorful inauguration and the best in the history of our state
“We must break the jinx of hostile transition and we need to do this for history”, Governor Mimiko added.

In his remark, Mr. Akeredolu lauded some achievement of Governor Mimiko adding that his eight years tenure, no doubt, has brought greater development to the sunshine state.

He maintained that the administration of the outgoing governor is leaving behind a ‘big shoe’ with his track records while extending a hand of fellowship for s peaceful tenure starting from February next year.

“We all owe you debt of gratitude to the service you made to this great state.

“It may be difficult for many people to surpass your track record and achievement as you have served to the best of your ability.

“I commended the governor for his service to the state and nobody can take that away from him.

“He [Mimiko] dedicated the early part of his life to the state; he was a two time Commissioner for Health in the state, Secretary to the State Government, Minister and came back to govern the state for eight years.

“Nobody else has served for eight years and I think the whole state owe him a debt of gratitude because it’s good to commend people for whatever they have done.
“For us we want to start where he stopped and improve on what he did and we want to do better than he did.

“We believe that the people of this state want peace, they believe they have voted for a new government, so let the new government come and prove its mettle, others have done their own parts. ”, Mr. Akeredolu said.

Fielding questions further from journalists shortly after the visit, the incoming governor [Akeredolu] revealed that both camps have resolved to set up a committee that would ensure proper transition of handover come February 24, 2017.

“It is going to be a transition between brothers and all we have done is in the interest of the state and to serve the state” he added.

The Daily Times gathered that Mr. Akeredolu was accompanied by bigwigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, among which are; Ifedayo Abegunde, Rt. Hon, Victor Olabintan, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Mr Kehinde Akinterinwa, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Mr. Femi Agagu.