..we won’t allow Akeredolu’s administration to collapse- Speaker

Wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has appealed to the members of the 10th House of Assembly to work collaboratively towards the development of the state, regardless of the absence of the Governor.

In a get-together meeting with the lawmakers led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, the Ondo First Lady stressed the need for members of the legislative arm to cooperate and ensure that government’s administration moved on steadily to avoid collapsing the Governor’s good legacy.

“I would like to extend the greetings of the season. The season of christmas is a season of joy, happiness, and sharing of gifts, which is usually a beautiful moment for everyone; and that is what I extend to all of you.

“Things have happened, but my concern now is for us to be ready to move forward. The Chief Executive, our dear Arakunrin is not around, but his government has to move on. And for his government to move on, the legislative arm is a vital component for that movement to happen.

” It behoves on all of us to play our roles to make sure that this administration gets going even when the Chief Executive is not around. Do what you are supposed to do for the state to move forward.
“There are some constitutional arrangements that have to be met in the absence of the Chief Executive which had been done. We have an acting governor, so, it behoves on all of you now to cooperate and continue to steer the ship of this administration so that at the end of the tenure, we will all be proud that we have put in our best, regardless of the challenges along the line”. She said.

Mrs. Akeredolu used the opportunity to solicit the help of the Lawmakers to institutuonalise the Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female Political Appointees, FOWOSO, in order to ensure its sustainability beyond the Akeredolu-led government.

Responding, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji lauded the First Lady for her firm support for her husband since the inception of his administration.

Appreciating her motherly advice, the ODHA Speaker assured that they would execute every necessary legislative duty to support the administration.

He said: “99.9% of us have enjoyed the support of the Mr. Governor and we will not allow his administration to collapse. We will continue to support his government and support the Acting Governor that is piloting the affairs of the state on behalf of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu”.

He, however, used the medium to pray for the quick recovery of the Governor to continue his good works in Ondo State, saying, “The people of Ondo State miss him a lot. And I want to appreciate you too, you are a wonderful woman and very strong. About two weeks ago, we saw what you did about FOWOSO Summit, and this is what you have been doing to give him support”.

In their separate reactions, the female Lawmakers, Hon. Wunmi Fayemi and Hon. Princess Oluwatosin Ogunlowo-Ajirotutu, thanked the First Lady for championing the advocacy for increased female representation in elective and appointive positions, which they acknowledged to have paved the way for them.

Hon. Fayemi, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, therefore, expressed optimism in presenting the request as to institutionalise FOWOSO as a bill before the House.

e-signed:

Mary Agidi
Special Assistant to the Governor on Media (Office of the First Lady)
22/12/2023

📸 Gbenga Fasakin