BY DAYO JOHNSON
AKURE—THE race for the 2013 governorship election in Ondo State has kicked off as a Human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Abayomi signified his intention to run for the election under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

Dr. Abayomi, at his Oke Agbe home town in Akoko North West Local Government Area, said his desire to transform the state, informed his decision.

The weekend declaration coincided with his 61st birthday anniversary.

According to him ‘Ondo State cannot be an exception from the wind of change blowing in the South West. The real progressives are ready to take over the state from people who pretend to be in the progressive camp. Our state has not witnessed a meaningful development in the two years, except of deception and carrying out projects that are misplaced. Up till now we don’t know how much comes to the state on monthly basis.”

Abayomi said his experience in the struggle for the enthronement of democracy and his activism placed him in a good position to better the life of the people of Ondo State.

According to him, the nation would “continue to lag behind if it fails to elect leaders with genuine interest of the masses at heart.  A situation where mediocre are allowed to run the affairs of the country will continue  to draw the nation backward.

He said that “in all season, the most essential ingredient in bringing about diverse changes is good leadership. Humility, wisdom and knowledge are the fundamental requirements in successful leadership. Developing countries like Nigeria need leaders who have not forgotten the memories of pain. Unfortunately our leaders are very self-centred. Their only interest is how to enrich themselves when the masses are poor.”