The AllProgressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the Ondo West local government of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to consider picking his deputy from the local government area in order to join hands and move the state forward with the new governor.

The stakeholders who expressed interest in the seat, during a press conference in Ondo, unanimously endorsed Hon. Akinwolere Babajide Thomas for the seat, saying Thomas, as a stabiliser, will help build and reposition the state

The stakeholderswho lamented over the sudden death of Akeredolu said Ondo, as an ethnic group, has a strong interest in presenting a candidate for the Deputy Governorship position.

They called on Ayedatiwa to embark on the promotion of things that would bring peace and unity to the state, saying Thomas has contributed immensely to the growth of the APC in the state and he deserved the honour to be picked as the deputy governor.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a chieftain of the party in Ondo West local government, Hon. Adekunle Fela, said, “It has become important for us to issue this emergency press conference as a way of calling the attention of the newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to matters that affect our dear state.

“Following the unfortunate loss of our great icon and leader, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, it has become our collective responsibility to ensure that the good people of Ondo State continue to enjoy good governance without any hitches.

“It is to this effect that we congratulate the erstwhile Deputy Governor who has now been sworn in as Executive Governor, in the person of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“However, we must also use this medium to communicate to the Governor that he must be strategic andconscientious in the selection of who will emerge as his Deputy Governor.

“Before now, we have made it known that whoever will be chosen as the new deputy governor must be selected from Ondo town and must also be a youth who understands the dynamics of ourgreat party and is also passionate about public service.

“Hence, all party faithful, stalwarts, and stakeholders in Ondo West of Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ondo State, have agreed on the choice of our son, Hon. (Dr) Akinwolere Babajide Thomas, popularly known as APATA, to emerge as the next Deputy Governor of Ondo State for the remainder of this administration,” he added.

Adekunle said the choice of Thomas was informed by the need for our party to engage the youth and also maintain political balancein the state.

“Akinwolere Babajide Thomas has been a dependable servant of the party; he understands the system and is also passionate about the yearnings of our people,” he said.

He said that Thomas has contested for the House of Representatives twice without compensation, urging Ayedatiwa to consider his loyalty to the party and his popularity among the youths in the council.

He said Thomas remains a strong voice for the youths in Ondo and the state, with a commitment to serving the people.

The stakeholders, however, call on the new governor to, as a matter of statesmanship, give this a worthy consideration as a way of securing the political future of the party, APC, in Ondo State, and also to solidify his mandate, especially in Ondo West, which is a major stronghold for the party during elections. (Nigerian Tribune)