The Convener of the Ondo State Chapter of the South West Youths for Good Governance, Yomi Alarape, has described a former Commissioner of Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa, a man propelled by a burning desire to champion public good.
Alarape, who said this while briefing reporters in Abuja on Monday, backed the former finance commissioner for the guber race in the state.
He said, “Like the legendary writer George Orwell noted in his famous classic, ‘Animal Farm,’ leadership is not a pleasure but a deep and heavy responsibility. Those motivated to serve are not driven by the quest for fame but by the desire to make life suitable for others.
“Wale Akinterinwa, former Commissioner of Finance in Ondo State is a man propelled by a burning desire to champion public good.
“Events of the past few months culminating in the death of the immediate past Governor Rotimi Akeredolu call for sober reflection.
“In Akeredolu, Ondo lost not just a leader but a man whose entire life was devoted to service and the progress of not just the State and the South-West but the nation at large.
“As a people united in purpose for the good of all, it is imperative to prepare for the task ahead with a firm resolve to walk the path of peace, diligence and greatness.
“Akinterinwa, the quintessential financial wizard, chartered accountant and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is offering himself to service Nigerians of Ondo State extraction.
“And ahead of the April 2024 primary election of the APC, it is only imperative that a man who has given his all for the party is backed by all and sundry to serve the State at the highest level.
“The Governorship election is scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for September 2024. No doubt, prominent Ondo indigenes are already indicating interest in the exalted but challenging office.
“Akinterinwa, a tax expert, hails from Oke-Igbo/lle Oluji Local Government Area of the State.
“In a demonstration of sheer human empathy, Akinterinwa kept faith in Akeredolu throughout the period of his medical challenges. He sought the face of God and urged others to do same in a bid to have the ex- Governor return to his seat, hale and hearty.
“The same cannot be said of others who unable to hide their true inclinations, started plotting their scheme even though Akeredolu was still alive. Ondo people have a choice to make.
“As for the APC, the choice is theirs to make too. The party knows the importance of loyalty and integrity. Both are symbolized by Akinterinwa in more ways than one.
“As a stakeholder in Ondo State, I call on the party and the people to rally round the man who means well for all of us,” he said.