10th May, 2011
Governor-elect of Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria, Senator Abiola Ajimobi of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and other winners of 2011 April elections were today in Ibadan presented certificates of return by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
But the presentation was laced with some drama as the power supply company, blacked out the arena as the governor elect made an appreciation speech.
The blackout drew much anger from Senator Ajimobi as he described Power Holding Corporation (PHCN) as a national embarrassment saying that they did not merit any commendation for taking the light as he was delivering his speech.
” I was about to express my appreciation to PHCN but I am using my biro to delete PHCN from those that I want to commend for taking light. I am not thanking them today because they don’t merit itâ€.
Senator Ajimobi however lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for ensuring that credible elections were orgainsed in the country stressing that if not the provision of enabling environment, the nation would not have had a free, fair and credible election this year.
Senator Ajimobi further described the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega for his steadfastness and his commitment to the betterment of Nigeria adding that his patriotism and ingenuity would never be forgotten in Nigeria.
Pointing out that Jega deserved a worthy award, he noted that if not for the commitment of security operatives, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and the academia, it would have been difficult for INEC to record a success.
Extending hands of fellowship to all the contestants in the last poll, Ajimobi described Senator Rasheed Ladoja and the state outgoing governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala as his brothers whom he appreciate a lot.
He said: “I will formally meet Akala very soon. He is a friend and a brother. Thank God that myself and Akala did not enter into boxing tournament, he would have knocked me downâ€.
He promised to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Oyo State stressing that he would run an inclusive administration.
Earlier speaking, the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Ayo Adakeja said that though, pre-general election period was overwhelmed with political tension, unfounded rumour and false alarm, the outcome was credible.
Adakeja said fifteen political parties fielded candidates for one gubernatorial seat and twenty nine aspirants vied for the three senatorial seats in the state adding that certificates of return were issued to a total of fifty winners.
The REC also lauded the press for their impartial coverage and voter enlightenement.
By Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan