By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)
Nigeria's President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday revealed how he advised the late Rotimi Akeredolu to view for Ondo State Governorship position in 2012.
Tinubu who made this disclosure on Wednesday in his condolence tribute on the death of the former Ondo State Governor, said, "I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he didn’t make it in first attempt, his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished".
Tracing his political journey and brotherhood together with the deceased lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), President Bola Tinubu said: "My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family.
"We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching.
"He showed uncommon courage as member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he didn’t make it in first attempt, his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished.
"He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election. Since he was sworn-in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion.
"Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.
"In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.
"Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate. His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.
"I hope that his successor, Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader", Tinubu wished. NNL
