Published February 6, 2021
Peter Dada , Akure
The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu , has boasted the All Progressives Congress would continue to rule the state for a long time .
According to him, the party would continue to occupy a prime place in the political landscape of the state for long due to the good performance of the current administration in the state in the last four years, “ in spite of daunting challenges and paucity of funds occasioned by the prevailing global economic realities .”
Akeredolu stated this on Saturday at the foundation -laying ceremony of the new APC state secretariat complex in Akure , the state capital.
The governor said, the unfortunate incident that led to the destruction of the former APC state secretariat by some suspected hoodlums during the # ENDSARS protest , hastened the need for the construction. He added that building the party secretariat will further strengthen the party and show doubting “ Thomases that the APC had come to state in the state as an established political party. ”
He said, “ We are only beginning with the State Headquarters . Be sure that on completion of this project, erecting such edifice across the 18 local government areas in the state will follow .
“ As the largest and the ruling party in the state , it behoves us to have a secretariat befitting of that status . You will recall that our party has been operating from rented apartments since its inception. I am sure that by the time the secretariat complex is built , it will be the pride of all party faithful . It is our hope that before the end of the year , we shall celebrate the completion of this project.
“ Let me enjoin all our party members , especially those occupying positions of responsibility at all levels of government – Federal, State and Local Governments to see this project as a collaborative effort and contribute financial and material resources towards its early completion .
“ I wish to stress that this is not ondo state government project , rather it is purely APC affairs . This is neither about Akeredolu nor is it about Adetimehin , it is about our party. As good party men and women, it is our responsibility to lay a solid foundation for our party to blossom in Ondo State . We can never be deterred by the anti -social behaviours or the opposition of a few . It is our determination to continue to forge ahead as a formidable party. ”
In his welcome address, the acting chairman of the party, Mr Ade Adetimehin described as a leader who serves with integrity , thanked Governor Akeredolu for making the noble dream of building a new party secretariat a reality during his tenure as the chairman of the party.
In his own remarks , the chairman of the building committee , Mr Jimoh Ibrahim , assured the people that the project will be completed on time to schedule and budget.