Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said no intrigue, blackmail and manipulation by former Governor Rashidi Ladoja can unseat him.
He was addressing artisans, traders and religious bodies, who thronged the Governor’s Office to congratulate him on his victory at the election petitions tribunal on Tuesday.
The group comprised over 25 professional associations, including the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Igede Development Association and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
In apparent reference to Ladoja’s decision to appeal the verdict of the tribunal, Ajimobi said his mandate was of God, adding that no amount of blackmail could change God’s will.
He said: “When I heard that my egbon, Ladoja, said he was not satisfied with the judgment and that he vowed to head for the Court of Appeal, I said he should go wherever he wants to go.
“But I want to assure you all that thousands of Accord Party and its candidate cannot unseat me. This mandate is of God and popularly given to me by the people.
“We must all work together to develop Oyo State. We must never allow enemies to thrive again. We give glory to God that he has taken care of all the trouble makers of our state. So what should be our concern now is how to ensure that this state is taken to greater heights”.
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, representing Oyo Central, yesterday congratulated Ajimobi, saying: “I have always believed that whoever works hard can never be brought down.
“While I was speaker during the governor’s first term, we worked tirelessly for the people and this earned us their trust for a second term. One then wonders why some politicians refused to accept defeat in good faith and move on. We thank God for this victory and I rejoice with my governor.
“The best we can do right now is for the state to give full and wholehearted support to the Ajimobi administration and his continuity programme, so that Oyo can be a benchmark for good governance in this country”.
Minister-designate, Barr. Bayo Shittu, said the judgment was a confirmation of the people’s choice.
He added that the victory would strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) and democracy in the state.
“I want to personally congratulate the governor and also wish him success as he thrives to improve on the people’s socio-economic well-being”, Shittu said.
