Hundreds of supporters, including women, youth, and artisan groups, stormed the Akure Airport on Friday to welcome the former Commissioner of Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, urging him to contest in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
This occurred less than 24 hours after the dissolution of the State Executive Council by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo state.
The supporters, who arrived at the office with a musical band around 8:50 am, were armed with placards bearing various inscriptions such as, “Declare Now; Akinterinwa,” “We love you, come and continue where Aketi stops,” and “We want a builder in Ondo state.”
They also called on the former commissioner to rescue the state from maladministration, stating that his assumption of the governorship would put an end to the intractable problem of underdevelopment.
They lamented that issues like hunger and unemployment, among others, have become the order of the day, urging him to build on the security program of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Speaking on behalf of the teeming supporters, Dele Adebayo said they waited until he was relieved of his position to call on him to contest for the number one seat because he has the ability to turn the state around.
Adebayo said all the supporters across the 18 local government areas of the state stormed the Airport to welcome him home, show their support for him, and urge him to help save the state from its current challenges.
He said, “We decided to still wait for him despite the delay in his flight due to poor weather because we’re convinced that he’s more than capable of rescuing the state from the maladministration of the present administration.
“We’re calling on Wale Akinterinwa to contest the April governorship primary. We came from all the council areas of the state and we’re ready to mobilize for his success.
“He’s capable, a head financial expert, and would know how to manage the economy of the state. He has been in government for some time and would know what to do per time.
“Akinterinwa won’t start learning the ropes; he would hit the ground running if elected the governor of the state. We urge him not to abandon the policies and programs of Akeredolu; with this, the state will be second to none.”
“We are sure that he will facilitate the timely execution of projects; he will be transparent, as he has been keeping the record of the state in the last seven years. He has been Finance commissioner three times, demonstrating transparency, accountability coupled with integrity.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Ile-Oluji born politician, Akinterinwa, appreciated the people for their love for him and said, “I am humbled by your perseverance. You have been here since morning.
“I came late due to a delay in my flight as a result of poor weather. A lot of flights were canceled due to the weather.
“We had the opportunity to fly when the weather became clear enough and approved by the authority.
“I know you have been waiting for about eight hours to express your appreciation to me after my meritorious service to our state for about seven years.
“Your gesture is a testimonial that when you do well, people will appreciate you. This is a manifestation of better things to come.”
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