In preparation for the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and one of his major contender, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday tackled each other on topical issues on governance.
Come Saturday, the people of the state will going to the polls to choose the next governor for another four-year term in an election where the incumbent, Akeredolu will be expected to slug it out with his main rivals, Eyitayo Jegede of PDP and Agboola Ajayi of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) among among other contenders.
While ZLP’s candidate, Agboola refrained from the debate, his counterparts, Akeredolu and Eyitayo took the moment and made it a battle of wits on discourse ranging from management of natural resources to agriculture, healthcare, education, security of lives and property, welfare of civil servants among others.
Here are major takeaways from the debate session:
-No plans to reduce tuition fees of tertiary institutions – Akeredolu
-Eyitayo condemns high cost of medicare, increment of school fees, heavy tax burden
-‘Non-Inclusive government’: Ondo lucky to have me, wife running the state together – Akeredolu
(See more in the story)
Akredeolu’s standpoints:
Akeredolu started his talks stressing that the state needs a composed and focused leadership and urging his people to consider him for the job..
“All the time, I have always believed that Ondo State is blessed. We have everything, yet we needed a composed and focused leadership,” he said.
“With all respect without praising or trying to pick me and say I am the best. With all respect, I believe that we have learned in this direction,” he said.
Speaking on the economy, the governor revealed plans by his administration to improve on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Akeredolu, opines that if re-elected for a second term on October 10, he will turn around the economic fortunes of the state and also expand the cocoa plantations in the state.
On increment of school fees, the incumbent governor reinstated his popular position that quality education need to be paid for while emphasising that he has no plans to reduce tuition fee if reelcted.
Non-inclusive government: Why myself, wife are running Ondo state together – Akeredolu
Meanwhile, Akeredolu in the course of the debate answered a question on critics who have always accused him of reducing the state to a family property, especialy as regards roles played by his wife, Betty.
Reacting to the allegation of running a non-inclusive government, Akeredolu noted that Ondo people voted him as governor but got two for the price of one, stressing that his wife is an intelligent woman leading several positive course in his government.
His words, “Ondo had one election in 2016 and was lucky to have two benefits, me and my wife, two intelligent personalities.There is no way you will have an intelligent first Lady and you don’t expect her to chart her own Cause.”
Speaking on security, Akeredolu said the recently launched security outfit, Amotekun will address the security challenges in the state.
While expressing displeasure over the security architecture in the country, the governor explained called for multi-level security
Explaining the rationale behind the creation of the agency, Akeredolu said the SouthWest governors came together to tackle the numerous security threats confronting the region.
Eyitayo Jegede’s standpoints:
Eyitayo Jegede, says it is time for a more holistic, honest and practical view of governance.
Mr. Jegede disclosed this at the Ondo State Governorship debate put together by Channels Television, in partnership with the Civil Society Elections Situation Room and UK AID with support from UK foreign commonwealth development office.
Speaking on why he should be voted as governor of the state come Saturday, the Senior Advocate said his private and public sector experience makes him stand out from all other candidates.
Jegede further stated that his experience in both sectors has made him realise that at the moment things are not going well in the state, hence the need for a new face and a new positive change.
He said, “I believe the time has come for us to have a more holistic, honest, and practical view at governance” in Ondo State.
Mr. Jegede said he intends to grow the state’s economy and will confront the challenges in the health sector.
According to him, the health facilities in Ondo State are not in good shape, and the high-cost of medicare is putting a strain on the lives of the people especially pregnant women and children.
Jegede who was a former commissioner for justice and attorney general of Ondo said he is pained also by the challenges faced by students within the various tertiary institutions in the state, adding that he will look into the cost of tuition which tends now to be depriving many young people of getting the education they desire.
Making additional comments on what he will do to transform the economy in Ondo State, Mr. Jegede said he would make jobs available for the youths by engaging the private sector.
He vowed to address issues in the agricultural sector in a fresh new way by taking a stock of performance and seeing what way output can be increased.
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