Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has declared that Nigeria’s democratic fortune will be determined by the activities of the political class in the new year.
He, therefore, advocated caution and prayers by the citizenry as the nation prepares for another general election in the first quarter of 2015.
He specifically stressed the need for the unity of the nation in the face of the challenges that will confront it in the new year.
Mimiko stated this in his new year message in Akure on Tuesday.
The governor implored everyone to exercise caution and be ready to withstand whatever challenges that may come to test their resolve to remain united in love and peace in an economically thriving and indivisible Nigeria.
Mimiko was of the view that the country’s multi-ethnic composition should be the source of its strength and unity as no component part of the configuration could be dispensed with.
He advised members of the political class not to play their politics to the gallery, stating that there was the need for politicians to be cautious in their utterances as the country belongs to all.
The governor said: “We, members of the political class, should be guided and guarded in our utterances. This country belongs to all of us, we should make it work because tomorrow promises to be better.”
He stated that the advice became imperative in view of the fact that 2015 general elections are fast approaching and, as it were, “they are gathering momentum.”
Mimiko lamented the ugly and sad events witnessed in the state in 2013 and congratulated the people for “the grace to come out victorious from the stormy weather of the year ended”.
He noted that the year 2013 has come and gone with tales of its enormous challenges to ponder upon.
The governor said: “For us in Ondo State, it was a peculiar year, but we give God the glory for the grace to carry on thus far despite the good and traumatic experiences of the out gone year.
“In the new year, we should be able to tell the enemies of our nation that we want peace and an end to bloodletting to enable us forge ahead with a common mission and focus of enthroning true democracy devoid of deceit and acrimony”
He commended the citizens of the state for their unalloyed support and belief in his administration over the years.
Mimiko assured them that the new year will witness rapid and massive infrastructural growth and development in all ramifications.
“Our administration is determined more than ever before to satisfy and fulfill the yearnings of our people for good governance at all levels,” he added.
To achieve this, he said, “there will be massive deployment of the state’s resources for infrastructural developments.”
According to him, in line with his administration’s policy of people-engagement, “people’s identified needs and projects will always be accorded priority in the new year”
The governor, therefore, urged everybody to remain hopeful and steadfast in their commitment and support for his administration at all times.
