Two aspirants vying for the position of flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election have outlined their plans for the state.
Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim and Mr. Wale Akinteriwa shared their visions with reporters in Abuja after submitting their Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the APC primary scheduled for April 20.
Ibrahim, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, pledged to strengthen the state’s local security outfit, Amotekun, if elected governor. He emphasized utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to address insecurity issues and ensuring proper harnessing of the state’s mineral deposits estimated at $47 billion.
Ibrahim expressed optimism that he would win the party’s governorship ticket and the state governorship election.
“Our strategies of winning election is very clear and straight forward. I can assure you that we are going to win the next election,” he said.
The deputy chairman of the Senate committee on gas, assured that if elected governor in the state, he would ensure that the state’s Bitumen deposits worth $47 billion was properly harnessed.
“I brought the current Bitumen bill before the the National Assembly and we are now on the third reading, so that we can have a law backing Bitumen,” he said.
Ibrahim also said he was not expecting anyone to step down for him, adding that he was prepared to go through the primary to emerge as the state’s next governor.
“I will fortify Amotekun and use apps to dislodge insecurity, there are apps that can detect insecurity and crimes, these are what I will employ.
“Modern security require artificial intelligence to combat insecurity,” he said.
Also, Akinteriwa, a former Finance Commissioner in the state, while speaking with newsmen, said it was time to take Ondo State to the next level.
He said that the state could not afford to continue as a civil service state, stressing that the narrative must change.
“I will be the chief marketing officer of Ondo State if elected as its next governor.
“Ease of doing business in the state will be at its best under my watch.
“I come with a strong understanding of what government is all about, having served in advantaged positions in government and in the banking sector.
“The era of dependence on federation account allocation will not lead to the advancement of the state, this narrative must change,” Akinteriwa said.
The former commissioner emphasized that if he becomes governor, he will prioritize making the state self-sufficient without relying on federal allocation. He plans to achieve this by boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
Akinteriwa also highlighted his intention to leverage the state’s coastal fronts for tourism and marine economy development. Additionally, he aims to utilize the state’s large land mass to enhance agriculture and ensure food sufficiency.
He pledged to focus on engaging youths and empowering women, aiming to create prosperity and opportunities for all. Akinteriwa intends to involve women in governance and tap into their experiences to contribute to government, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, he stressed that healthcare and education would receive priority attention from his administration if he is elected as governor.
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