Jimoh Ibrahim, Jegede Join Ondo Governorship Race

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Business mogul, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, on Thuesday  obtained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expression of interest form  from the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the governorship seat of his state, Ondo.

Speaking with journalists shortly after picking the form, Ibrahim said he would run an innovative administration and would work  to defray the salary arrears of workers in the state within 100 days.

Jimoh said he would better the lots of the people of the state by ensuring prompt payment of their salaries which he stressed have largelybeen unpaid by the current administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

He claimed that within the period Mimiko ruled the state, he has collected well over N100 billion from the federation account but has only succeeded in expending N44 billion, wondering what he used the rest of the allocation to do.

The businessman described the governors who owe workers salary as people lacking in innovation and  initiative, adding that Ondo State has over 10 solid minerals which he would tap to develop the state.
The entrepreneur who owns a chain of companies in the country, claimed he has over 8,000 workers in his employment.

He assured Sheriff that when he visits Ondo State after PDP would have won the governorship elections, the state would have assumed a better look.

Speaking on  the leadership crisis rocking the PDP and why he opted to join ranks with Sheriff,  Ibrahim said Senator Ahmed Makarfi has no locus in law to claim the chairmanship of the party.
According to Ibrahim, it is only Sheriff that is known in law having taken over from Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu who resigned as national chairman before the expiration of his tenure.

Also, the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Eyitayo Olayinka Jegede (SAN), has obtained his expression of interest and nomination form to participate in the November 26 governorship election under the platform of the PDP.

Jegede, who resigned on July 22 to contest for the top job in Ondo State, obtained the forms at the state PDP secretariat in Akure amid fanfare and solidarity by former colleagues in the state executive council, party leaders, well-wishers, family members and supporters in their hundreds across the 18 council areas of Ondo State.

Speaking after picking the two forms,  Jegede said he was overwhelmed with the massive show of love and support by the people of Ondo State which transcend religious, ethnic and party affiliations.
He promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by offering good governance which will consolidate and improve upon the achievements of the Mimiko administration.

He reiterated his position that he is contesting to become the next governor of Ondo State in order to harness the state’s enormous natural resources to buoy its economic fortunes and enhance the living standards of the people.
Jegede disclosed that in compliance with the relevant guidelines, he would soon submit his forms to the party leadership.
He added that he has intensified preparations for the party primaries holding on August 22 by consulting and mobilising the delegates.