The sterling performance of outgoing Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the last seven and a half years remains a cynosure of all eyes. This political enigma painstakingly put his feat on the strength that the state must be compassionate to the poorest and weakest in the society and must provide the highest quality of amenities to better their lot, either free of charge or at affordable cost.

It is this philosophical and ideological position of compassion for the poor and the weak and the  opportunities for the rich and the powerful that has made his government a benchmark for other states in Nigeria.

Mimiko is not just a pride to Ondo but also the entire black race in the areas of urban renewal, transportation, sports, social welfare, agriculture, etc. God has blessed the state with uncommon grace, given that the people supported the Mimiko government through the hard times and good times.

His intervention in the state health sector with the Abiye programme is adjudged the mother of all achievements. Abiye has recorded so much success such that it has been signposted as the model for tackling infant and maternal mortality in the developing world. This global acclaim is evident in the fact that the World Bank officially listed the Abiye programme on its website as one of the success stories coming out of Africa.

At the elementary level, he started with construction of Mega schools across the state; the mega schools which are of international standard have ultra modern facilities and environment that is conducive enough for learning. Each school has a computer studio, libraries and other facilities that can be found in a standard school. Also the students enjoy free transportation to school and get free uniform.

Impressively, whilst other states are battling with the fulfillment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Ondo State is already ahead, and proud of deepening its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is a new global target for improving people’s lives around the world.

However, being a precursor to Mimiko’s glorious exit in February 24, 2017, the emergence of immediate past Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), as the party’s standard bearer in the November 26 gubernatorial election, will simply help to sustain the irreversible developmental strides of his predecessor if elected as governor.

In the interest of larger majority, there must be continuity in Ondo through the choice made by the People’s Democratic Party-led government in the state; otherwise the Ondo cohesive fabric may be completely destroyed if political desperadoes are allowed to usurp power.

It is obvious that those in opposition are more concerned with intrigues and subterfuge, but, to their disappointment, the Akure- born legal luminary has established an umbilical connection with the principled people of Ondo Central, South and North, thereby making it easy for him to record a landslide victory on November 26. In democratic contests, victory comes from the ability of a candidate to market his ideas and vision to the electorate.

These, when juxtaposed with the aspirant’s pedigree, provide the natural aura of acceptance around the candidate and not mere propaganda which members of opposition are known for in Ondo. It is a common knowledge that the people of the state can never be hoodwinked; their choice remains  Jegede judging from his intimidating credentials and noble background.

• Ajibulu, from Akoko North West LG, wrote via  emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com