Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has said it was time to put the past behind and move the state forward.

He stressed the need to build on late Rotimi Akeredolu’s foundation for the good of the state.

Also, commenting on the 2024 Ondo governorship election, Aiyedatiwa said it was not for settling political scores.

The governor said these during his new year statewide broadcast to Ondo people.

On the election, he said the warning became imperative because political activities will gain prominence this year.

Aiyedatiwa said: “Let me implore all political parties, aspirants and their followers to eschew violent conducts that can threaten the peace and tranquility of our state.

“They must follow strictly the guidelines issued by the electoral umpire.

“The election should be a contest of ideas and choices. Not an opportunity to settle political scores or an excuse for calumny.”

Akeredolu’s foundation

Speaking on the just-resolved political impasse in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa said: “Those challenges have shaped our resolve to, more than ever before, bring our people together and pursue the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous Ondo State.

“It is time to put the past behind us and focus all our human and material resources into building on the foundation that this administration has so far laid.

“2023 was a very tough year. It it also gave renewed hope that we will again brave any storm that lays ahead in 2024 and beyond.

“I am filled with fresh hope about the possibilities of better days to come.”

He said the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, “left an indelible mark on the annals of time. And his contributions to the development of our State, and indeed Nigeria, are etched in history.

“As we have promised, we will not only give our late former governor a befitting state burial, but will also immortalise his name.”

Vanguard News