Abass Mimiko, a younger brother of the former governor of Ondo State, emerged on Wednesday as the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
A bass, a medical doctor, emerged through affirmation by members of the party during the primary election held at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking after his emergence, Mimiko said he was going to focus more on education, health, economy and security of the state if elected as the next governor of Ondo State.
He said, “We are forced to be reckoned with in this election; we will ensure food security; within a year of our being in office, we will have a surplus of food in Ondo State; we will ensure affordable quality education; industrialization housing; and free health services for all residents are part of our programmes.
The medical doctor, who disclosed that he enjoyed the blessings and support of his brother, Olusegun Mimiko, expresses his readiness to take over the state in the next election.
He said, “Former governor Mimiko said he had no doubt that if Abass becomes the governor of the state, everyone will enjoy it. My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I will build on his achievements.”
Earlier, before the primary, the party held a state congress where Mr Cornelius Akintoye emerged as the new state chairman of the party in the state.
In his remarks, the National Secretary of the ZLP, Mr Yahaya Wakama, said the party was ready to take over the state from the ruling party, urging the members to work hard in order to achieve this.
“Let me remind us, however, that the days ahead will be even more demanding and disturbing.
Abass said, “The signs of what we should expect are already here; the harassment, attacks, and economic strangulation are some of the weapons that the ruling party will wield in their attempt to prevent the people’s will. But we cannot give up.
“We must resolve to snatch our state from the jaws of death and the predators whose only desire is to sink the ship of state. We must remain the voices of our people and work for their betterment.
“As we choose our governor today, let us bear this in mind: while he will be our torchbearer, he cannot achieve anything by himself; he will need us.
“So we must all roll up our sleeves. The journey has begun, and the work has started. No one can be a bystander, and indeed, no one should be a bystander. We must have all hands on deck. That is the only way we can achieve our desired results.”
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