A former Minister for Defence, Adetokunbo Kayode, has urged the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to remain focused and concentrated on the best way to move the state forward.
Aiyedatiwa became the governor following the death of the former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on December 27, 2023, after a long-term illness.
Since his swearing-in, Aiyedatiwa has been making consultations with stakeholders in and outside the state.
Recently, the governor approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of 60 kilometers of roads across the state within the three months and ordered all the contractors to return to construction sites.
The former minister gave his advice to the governor in a statement issued on Sunday.
He said, “Please concentrate on immediate issues like settlement of pending arrears of salaries and pension and I note with gladness that something is being done on these.
“Critical arterial roads in virtually every Senatorial zone of the state require very urgent attention. We urge the governor to look at these urgently. But how can he be able to do this, if hidden and unclean hands continue to distract him? So let us all give peace a chance so that the state can continue to thrive.
“We are lucky in the state that Governor Lucky is very much loved in Abuja. And he knows what to do. He must leverage his goodwill and the goodwill enjoyed by the late and beloved Governor Akeredolu to bring more federal opportunities for the progress and edification of the state.
“We urge the governor not to be distracted by lame, worthless, and beleaguered allegations and insinuations. These are of no moment or effect, at this time.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also urged politicians as well as elders in the state to give good governance a chance and allow the governor to work.
Kayode said, “Allow him to settle down to work for our children and our elders. Allow him to continue where our late beloved Governor stopped.”
He noted that the people of the state would suffer if the current spate of “unwarranted and unpatriotic attacks” on the current governor continues.
“The state and its people stand to gain nothing, but pain, poverty, and penury if this incendiary politics of selfishness, hate, aggravation, and deception continue,” he stressed.