Olusegun Mimiko, the governor of Ondo State, on Monday, November 28, 2016 sent his congratulatory message to the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor-elect of the southwestern state.
Mimiko in a statement, signed by his chief press secretary, Eni Akinsola, said “it behoves of him as the governor of Ondo State to congratulate the governor-elect, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and wish him success in the challenging task of governing our dear state”.
“It is incumbent upon me as [the] governor to facilitate a smooth transition between my government and the incoming one. I will, to this end, provide the ambience for a smooth and seamless transition process,” Dr. Mimiko said.
While promising to continue to provide leadership to the State till the takeover date, Mimiko expressed his appreciation to the people of Ondo.
“I use this medium to express my sincere appreciation to all our citizens for the very peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the election period. I will not waiver in providing needed leadership to our dear State till the last day of my term,” the governor said in the statement.
He enjoined residents to strive to sustain the peace enjoyed in the State for the past seven years, promising to speak with them as occasion demands as his “eight year tenure inches to an end”.
The People’s Democratic Party has rejected the result of the election and called for a cancellation accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of colluding with the All Progressives Congress, APC, to rig the poll in favour of its candidate, Akeredolu.
The PDP says that its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, is heading to court to challenge the conduct of the elections which was in violation of the Electoral Act which stipulates a 30-day period from the day a candidate’s name is announced and the day the election is held.
