Feb 13th, 2007
The ‘Iroko’ of Ondo Politics
Mission Statement:
“To mobilize the people of Ondo State to harness all our God-given resources, create and use wealth for the ends of individual happiness, collective fulfillment and peaceful cohabitation in an environment of transparent and honest leadership.”
-Dr. ‘Segun Mimiko
Ondo State Gubernatorial Candidate, Labour Party.
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Dr Mimiko is not a visiting politician. He is a consummate grassroots politician who has lived in Ondo State for more than 35 continuous years of his adult life, and therefore knows the State very well.
As a full-fledged politician, Dr. Mimiko served as the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo Local Government chapter of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1983. During the Third Republic, he was elected twice as ex-officio member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Executive Council in Ondo Local Government Area. He also served as a member of the Party’s Disciplinary Committee.
On what should be the focus of the citizens in the selection of leaders in a democratic dispensation like ours, Dr Mimiko was once quoted thus:
“The issue that should bother us … is not bland, empty promises, Rather, what should concern us are the character and the antecedents in terms of performance, of anybody that desires to rule us. For there is no question about the fact that when a good leader is in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rules, the people mourn. It is simply a question of using what a man has done before, how a man has behaved inside and outside of power, as a critical gauge of what he will do in future if you invest him with power. This is what should interest us, certainly not promises, which anybody can make. For this much we know, promises can be made and indeed have been made and broken in the past (by several politicians) without much ado.”
Of course, Dr Mimiko is not new to governance. Indeed, he has served in government at either the State or Federal levels under every democratic dispensation that our country has witnessed, except of course in the First Third Republic, when he was too young to be in public service. He has been Ondo State Health Commissioner twice (January 1992 – November 1993 and May 1999 – November 2002); and under the current dispensation, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), (May 2003 to July 2005); and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development (July 2005 to December 2006). There is therefore no single candidate for the position of Governor in Ondo State today that has the type of wide-ranging and extensive experience that Dr Mimiko has. And his pedigree in terms of achievements in the different governmental offices he has held is, as yet, unparalleled.
By the time he was leaving office as Commissioner for Health in late 1993 as a result of the military coup d’etat that terminated the Third Republic, Dr. Mimiko had left his mark as a performer. In that short period, he facilitated the setting up of the Pharmacy Shop System under which 24-hour pharmacy services were being provided in the main hospitals around the State. He also conceived and brought into reality the idea of what came to be known as Accident and Emergency Centres in some of the State Hospitals in the then Ondo State (now Ondo and Ekiti States). These were centres furnished with state-of-the-art equipment to attend to accident and other emergency cases confronting government hospitals everywhere in the country. Significantly, less than six months after he left office as Health Commissioner in 1993, the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), his professional colleagues, conferred on Dr. Mimiko an Award of Meritorious Service.
During his second coming as Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mimiko greatly enhanced the quality of health care delivery in the State. He brought real innovation into the health sector. His Ministry completed and equipped the Millennium Eye Centre, Akure, which still ranks among the best in Nigeria, within the first 100 days of the civilian administration. He pioneered the Festivals of Surgery, under which auspices hundreds of free surgical operations were carried out to restore the sight of blind and partially blind patients and to relief those with hernia. The programme was widely applauded across Ondo State, and copied in many others. He also set up the Health Rangers Scheme which facilitated the delivery of health services to the innermost parts of Ondo State, providing thousands of rural dwellers with their real first contact with government.
After the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 2003 polls, to which he massively contributed, Dr Mimiko was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government. He held this position until July 2005, when he was appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo as a Minister of the Federal Republic in charge of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry. In the latter position, Dr. Mimiko coordinated the Obasanjo Administration’s Reform Programme in the Housing and Urban Development sector, bringing about a major shift in policy from direct construction of houses to increased involvement of the private sector; redevelopment of government landed properties through private sector real estate developers to increase housing stock; and a focus on the mortgage sector in the on-going re-organization of Nigeria’s financial system.
The Ministry under Dr Mimiko also ensured the gradual withdrawal of government from direct provision of residential housing to public servants through the monetization policy; the re-organization and re-capitalization of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for more robust operation; and the enhancement of the operations of the National Housing Fund (NHF). The re-positioning of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA); the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable mass production of houses through the National Housing Data Bank, the production of National Housing Codes and Standards, and a framework for housing delivery and urban management through co-operatives, and the Social Housing Programme were also accomplished under Dr Mimiko’s watch.
Confident of his report card, Dr Mimiko once asserted:
“Those who know me know that my personality is already made up. I am therefore not likely to misbehave in office. Good enough, it has pleased God to commit something into my hands in the past. I therefore would wish that I be assessed based on how well or how badly I performed in those official capacities that it has pleased God to allow me to serve. It is on this platform that I stand to offer you a promise of great performance that would make Ondo State second to none in Nigeria.”
A widely-travelled man and a lover of exquisite art works, Dr Mimiko at his leisure engages in writing and reading. Way back in 1971, he had won the John F. Kennedy Essay (School Level) Award, underscoring his creative capabilities. He has since then won several awards in recognition of his excellent performance. He is a patron of many social organizations and speaks Yoruba and English, and some smattering of French, the latter through the efforts of his wife Olukemi, a French Language graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. Together, God has blessed their marriage with children.
In December 2006, President Obasanjo approved of Dr Mimiko’s request to leave office as Minister, effective December 8, 2006. He thereafter took up membership of the LABOUR PARTY and formally announced his decision to run for the office of Governor, Ondo State, at a well-attended rally in Akure on December 14, 2006. He later emerged as the Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the State.
If and when elected as Governor, Dr Mimiko intends to be guided by his deeply thought out Mission Statement:
“To mobilize the people of Ondo State to harness all our God-given resources, create and use wealth for the ends of individual happiness, collective fulfillment and peaceful cohabitation in an environment of transparent and honest leadership.”
His programme profile is captured in the acronym HEART:
H – Health care and housing development
E – Education, employment and empowerment
A – Agriculture and integrated rural development
R – Road and infrastructures
T – Trade, tourism and industrialization
Speaking on the translation of this vision into reality, Dr Mimiko had this to say:
“I must say that as a public officer, I do not need to convince the people of Ondo state about my capacity to deliver on promises. I also consider my life an open book that is available to be examined by all. I say this because I am aware that critical to success in governance is leadership. I have seen enough of governments to know that whosoever is short on integrity and character should just not be entrusted with the position of leadership.”
It is these twin qualities, integrity and character, more than anything else, that Dr Mimiko is bringing into government.
Again in Dr Mimiko’s words:
“I certainly have had enough experience in government. I can therefore claim that I am not going to be a novice in government. Rather, I already have a clear idea of where this state should be headed. I know what possibilities we have, what pits, both structural and human, we must avoid, and what ploughs we must sharpen to excel. Our strategy is to position our government, your government, as a catalyst of development. The critical ingredients that would make it possible for our people to be gainfully engaged shall be put in place. We do not subscribe to a trickle-down economic policy of just letting only the remnants to go down to the masses. Rather we shall adopt a bottom-up approach to development with a view to engendering community ownership and sustainability.”
26 Responses to “The ‘Iroko’ of Ondo Politics”
I wish to contribute this little piece as a contribution towards the electing of Dr. Raman Mimiko as the next governor of Ondo state.
For too long Nigerians, generally have suffered deprevation from a host of leaders who selfishlt pursue public office in order to enrich themselves and their cohorts. I won’t deny that any venture is carried out with an intent for some kind of reward but in terms of leadership, more emphasis should be placed on protectecting those who are being led. This is a time for change and I hope Dr Mimiko would use this opportunity to etch his name on the history of Nigeria as one of those who fought selflessly to alleviate poverty. His service should be one of commitment and purpose and not personal wealth making.
Many resourceful Nigerians are wasting away in the developed countries of the world because of the lack of opportunity to innovate and develop. This situation has to change in the interest of Nigeria.
Dr Mimiko should also strive to pursue the course of human rights and dissociate himself far from the long term ruling class who have perpetuated the suffering of Nigerains.
Finally, I wish you success at the elections, you get my vote definitely and I’ll persuade as many people as possible to do the same.
We are proud of you please do us proud.
Oludolapo Onajin
London (UK)
Indeed this is the man we have being waiting for all these years,base on his experience and understanding the people of this great state. It is time for our young politician to come out and serve their fathers land. I wish you best of luck, anyway am living in lagos but i will make sure that i cast my vote for you, because i registered at on because of you.
Thanks.
hi you guys are doing a great job, its hightime opposition determines thier strentgh in unity and weakness in diversity
love
love
I know this may appear as a stale news, but every time the news of Mohammed Ali, Mike Tyson, Cecilia Ibru, Jonathan Goodluck etc all voting in the April 2007 election in Ondo state seeps into my consciousness, I think – apart from the obvious feeling of shame and indignant – there is the need for a renaissance in the way we do things not just in Ondo state but right across Nigeria as a whole. But the one billion naira question is: who will lead us?
First the Lord God will lead and direct us all, for it is He that can raise a worthy leader to effect the wind of change that has started blowing in Nigeria. The Lord God has started His works by raising HE Dr Olusegun Mimiko to be a worthy leader of Ondo State. What is happening right now is not new for as the Lord raised David to be king, David had to suffer persecution from former evil king Saul, who was annihilated by God to make way for David to take his rightful throne. Mimiko will be victorious after suffering so much and that victory is just round the corner. When Jesus says yes, no one can say no. This is a fact. God has sanctioned Mimiko as governor in Ondo state and this shall be so. Who Will lead us? Whom the Lord decreed would and IT SHALL BE WELL. Be all blessed. Our victory is just round the corner. Edo State verdict will be the Ondo State verdict in Jesus name.
Is only the people that knows the root of a problem that can provide a solution, with over 35 years of leaving in our God own state i believe you can provide solution to all our grassroot problem, God will give you a chance.
BIG THANKS TO ALL DEMOCRATIC FORCES OF JUSTICE WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF NIGERIA FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE AND FREEDOM IN ONDO STATE AND IN NIGERIA.THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A LONG NON VIOLENT STRUGGLE AGAINST DICTATORSHIP AND UNDEMOCRATIC FORCES IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA .I KNOW THAT DR OLUSEGUN MIMIKO IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF JUSTICE,ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME TILL HES GIVEN THE TORCH TO MOVE US ALL FORWARD TO TRUE DEMOCRACY.
THANKS ALL FOR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS.PEACE.
OLUSHOLA SURAJ MIMIKO(USA).
You are welcome Olushola Mimiko and I know deep in my heart that the best governance that Ondo State has ever had since the inception of democratic government in Nigeria is about to commence with Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko, our governor elect in Ondo State. Not just me but at least over 80% of the people of Ondo State who voted Dr Mimiko in as govenor at the April 2007 polls. I’ve just returned from some parts of Ondo State and know what the people are saying as opposed to the lies and falsities being printed by Ondo PDP, Olafeso et al. The absolute truth will prevail and Agagu is a gonner. No law court can ever allow the truth to be overturn in this partuicular case.
Ondo State PDP must be well filled with shallow minded people for even a secondary school student will analyse the petition procedure, and tell you that Nabaruma gave the only judgement any person of truth and integrity will give in the case. Why are PDP seeking the head of Nabaruma? Because what they tried to compromise him with could be taken but not executed. Wise Move
The people looked unto God and asked for a lasting CHANGE in Ondo State and HE our good God who made freedom possible for the Israelites under the captivity of Pharaoh is the same God that is working in Ondo State right now. It is not Mimiko who is fighting this war but God Almighty who has brought the people together to endorse LP under the leadership of Dr. Mimiko the chosen shepherd for the exodus. Let Agagu and PDP bring whatever weapon they have. In God we stand and the battle has been won already. For those who have been dispatched all over the places by the agents of Lucifer to slow our progress down and also to destroy the Governor elect with all sorts of calculated calumnious stories, your efforts are insignificant and cannot change a thing or make this freedom impossible. You cannot even remove a string of hair in Mimiko’s body, for he has been chosen by Almighty God for this nothing but divine and possible mission. What Agagu and PDP thought was not possible our God who makes impossible possible surprised them. When they ran to OBJ, we ran to the Lord. They believed and relied on their power under their colourful umbrella but our power belongs to the Lord. They gave glory to OBJ and their other godfathers but our glory always go to the faithful, omnipotent, omniscience and everlasting God who says touch not my anointed. While they were strategising on how to rig the election with the power of money, incumbency, INEC, thuggery, state security and federal influence, we were busy with God to take control. There is nothing left with both Agagu and his people to bring anymore, we have witnessed and experienced their attacks in their fullest, physically and indirectly to frustrate our efforts but the barrages of God cannot be defeated. It is not Mimiko who want the change but the people. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Only a fool can say there is no God. Our contributions on this WEBSITE are not to fight our enemies but to share information, un-learn and educate each and every ferocious attacker here with a lifetime experience of satanic mission until they fully understand the enormous benefits and the urgency of this Change we all long for in Ondo State. We have strong shins to take the shots of all attacks for we know the truth together with a transparent and prudent administration will come very shortly. Justice 4all.
Just a question!!!!!!!! What if the so rated iroko turns out to be a failure? What if the aspirations of the people are left broken? etc etc.. Am not a package of opposition to change, rather i am so hihgly elated that the wish of the people could/would be respected for once ever since i have known Nigeria politics.(If PDP had known it would turn out to be this way, i bet the appeal would never have been).
But in my wild excitment of this desered change it strucks my mind… what if my excitment all turns out to be the same old story.
Note one thing Iroko’s cabinet could also be the recycled politicians…. from Adefarati to Agagu and then deflecting to Mimiko. So old ideals, same old priciples and values.
Wont it be the likes of women loving flirtatious Ajaka? Adegbehin etc..
Am not negative… just and advice……IROKO….. peopple are looking up to you….let friendship be secondary… let the interest of the people who are ready to serve you be the first. Never loose focus. you have you chance of writing your name in Gold and be the like of Baba Ajasin. I pray God will guide you araight .. most importantly guard yourself
@ elesho, few years back I hated Nigerian politics because I thought we would never produce the right person to rule us. I had never trusted any politician, but when I met Mimiko by chance things changed and my hope for Nigeria was restored. I am not that kind of a person that can be easily deceived by sugar coated mouths or smooth operators. I cannot buy a package of goods without knowing what the contents therein are, trust me. I did my thorough research on him and I was very happy with my findings. I am close to nearly all the Yoruba political leaders, but to God who made me Dr. Mimiko is miles far better that most of them in terms of reasoning and passion for the development of our State and Nigeria. Moreso, he cares so much about the condition of the poor people which I think is the most important thing for any man who has the fear of God in him. His character and antecedent performance to date according to people that know him very well, most especially school mates and work colleagues are very encouraging. Find out this yourself sir/madam elesho and post your results on this site to prove me right or wrong. Well, all we want for our state and country is good governance; this can only be achieved by having the right leader in authority. It could have been anybody of similar quality but at the moment in Ondo State there is no match. And I mean it no one can beat Dr. MIimiko in terms of caring and honest leadership. I have said it here once that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Our people may be handicapped by the system of foisting people on them but they are not fools. The masses made him their choice and were waiting anxiously for his declaration.
On the fifth day of the week in the last month of the year, 14th December 2006 Dr. Mimiko stood on the podium in the capital city of Ondo State, on this day things began to change. The day that Agagu and his team thought was another familiar funfair day that would come and go and forgotten just like many other light weight political opposition events in the past. The political opera music of a CHANGE was no more of interest before this day, for people had had enough of it. The change that many had no hope it would ever come, the change that was under rated and many thought it was another child play. But that day was a day the people of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole will never be able to erase from their memories forever. Even Obasanjo and others could not believe it. Thursday the 14th December 2006 was a day the foundation of a change was established in Ondo State. The day of hope that brought back the Sunshine which had seized to shine under Agagu’s administration was born under the LP and smiles were at last brought back to the faces of the poor masses. This was also the day that brought panic and end to the government of Agagu, turned him and PDP to a ridiculous choir, singing ‘‘Won kere si number wa’’ (they are no match to our numbers). But unfortunately, they could not prove that number on the day of the election.
Anyone who witnessed 14th December 2006, 14th April 2007 and 25th July 2008 would wonder the type of being Dr.Mimiko is and therefore, would pray for nothing than to give him the chance to rule Ondo State for the people’s supports were and still unprecedented. The masses are confident and hopeful that Mimiko will certainly deliver. That is why they are ready to die for him. The Governor once said “I must say that as a public officer, I do not need to convince the people of Ondo state about my capacity to deliver on promises. I also consider my life an open book that is available to be examined by all. I say this because I am aware that critical to success in governance is leadership. I have seen enough of governments to know that whosoever is short on integrity and character should just not be entrusted with the position of leadership”.
Elesho, you are right in your experience and observations. I believe still, that we should give him the chance to prove himself and by the grace of God he will never turns out to be a failure or be carried away like others to disappoint any of us in Jesus name (AMEN). The promises he made to the poor people of Ondo State are promises to God as well. Justice 4all
@Elesho, I really like people like you and yes for the purpose of having a good balance, your questions and observations are VALID. I tend to feel that you were only playing the devils advocate for deep down reading through your comment, I see that you believe in our man Mimiko, in his ideals and his ability to deliver. I see that you are happy that the truth and justice will be done and you are hopeful for a better, different and incorruptible government in Ondo State under Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko. Just as Iroko Kekere has very kindly and patiently expounded above, Mimiko is different. If you are close to him, you will see a humble, peaceful, focussed and change oriented individual whom God has called to go into Politics at a high level in order to do His will for the people. Just this afternoon, listening to sky news, a man (white and anti Democrat), said that Obama was raised and called by God over 20 years ago, to lead America, and for this Obama will win the US elections. Now I believe that in Ondo State, Mimiko was called and touched by God to deliver and HE WILL. Your questions would have made alarm bells ring if they were asked just before the April 2007 polls, for then, it could be possible that too many hangers on (many for the same reason) could have made it difficult for Mimiko to stay focussed. But with all that has transpired 18 months on, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THAT MIMIKO WILL ALLOW ANY ONE INTERFERE WITH HIS GOD GIVEN MISSION FOR THE PEOPLE.
Elesho, your advice and prayers are very necessary, we will never stop praying and giving advice. Many will set up monitoring groups to grade and rate Mimiko in governance. This is good. Even PDP will be relentless in trying to do the same, this is good. Mimiko will never lose sight of his calling for in failing the people, he would have failed himself and failed God who called him. I am sure His Excellency knows all these too well. No more freebies and over inflated contracts in Ondo State, no more looting and fooling the people ( a trade mark of Agagu’s governance). There will be room enough for all, and these would be for people who are ready to work hard for their living even in government.
Like Iroko Kekere, I hated politics until I met Mimiko and since then, I have loved the hard work involved in getting the right man on the right seat at Alagbaka. Mimiko will not fail us. He has wise, just, progressive and people oriented advisers and colleagues sorrounding him. Mimiko will not become just another thief thief politician, for he has God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, guiding and mentoring him. Mimiko will not let Ondo State down for he has even a bigger calling in a few years time where the name that he will make in Ondo State would have been written in Gold, in order for the same name to be cast in diamonds and etched in Platinum in Nigeria by the grace of God. You may call this a prophetic pronouncement, for it shall come to pass.
Elesho, NO FEARS. Mimiko is destined to be governor in Ondo State, destined to be a governor with a difference in the political world, and destined to be world class leader by the grace of God. Remain blessed.
Just a passing comment, on 4th April, Dr Mimiko was asked how he would ensure that corruption and treasury looting and all bad practices that are synonymous with governance in Nigeria are wiped out in his governance in Ondo State. I love his response. He said war against corruption in his tenure would start from the top down and not vice versa. If the head is clean, the body will be clean (cleaned up). I am confident that anybody caught engaging in corrupt practices under Mimiko will be removed from seat immediately and also i believe, prosecuted. This will serve as a deterrent to other wanna be thieves.
Now our Governor Elect needs to check and scrutinise and confirm references and CVs of all those he would be appointing in his cabinet, be they from Nigeria or the Diaspora. For a Governor Elect who could appoint Adrian Forty to technically analyse fingerprints and prove his point beyond reasonable doubt, (while Agagu/PDP was busy trying to match this with false professors in IT, who could not even operate a laptop)!; I am sure Mimiko will leave no stone unturned scrutinising his appointees. Anybody with a criminal background or any blemish should not be appointed for prevention is better than cure.
Correction please, the above date is 4th October and not 4th April 2008.
As we approach the end of a month of prayers and petitions to God, we await a most crucial month in Ondo State political history. As we prepare for the month of November, let us all remain steadfast in our prayers and praise of God for the final vindication of our Ondo State Mandate holder, Governor Elect Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko. Let us all believe and remind God that He has returned our Mandate and when God says yes He doesnt change His mind. The people’s wishes have been declared and must be made actual. Let us pray for continued protection and provision for Dr Mimiko and his family. Let us remember the poor masses of Ondo State who for over 4 years have been dealth a bad blow and are the ones with the short straw in this saga. Let us pray that God grants us all in Ondo State the good governance that we all so crave. Let us pray that all lovers of justice and fair play, and true democracy are vindicated and blessed. Let us pray that all corrupt and inept office holders in Ondo State are shown the door and people with a clear purpose, a clean and caring heart and people who are ready to wash the feet of the generality of the people are allowed to contribute to the new Ondo State under Dr Mimiko. I do not even think about a negative appeal result for LP, for the Appeal Court members are no fools. Let us all pray that looters and liars in Ondo State are prosecuted and incacerated. And above all let us pray that God Almighty will continue to shine his warmth and bring peace and prosperity to Ondo State.
Dr Mimiko, again I pray for you and your steadfastness. I pray for your wife and family for no one can really know what you all have had to go through. The light at the end of the tunnel is fast coming your way. You will have peace of mind, good governance and above all your efforts in Ondo State and Nigeria will be crowned with resounding success in Jesus name.
All be blessed. Peace
Infact,dis is a great news and it called for jubilation.i thank God for Iroko and the people of Ondo State.
WE KNOW THAT THE COUNTRY WE MOVE 4WARD SINCE JUSTICE IS NOW ALLOWED TO REIGN IN SOME PART OF THIS COUNTRY SUCH AS ONDO. ONE POLITICAL PARTY IS NOT IDEAL FOR NIGERIA . AT LEAST 3 COMPETITIVE PARTIES . WE ARE TIRED OF PDP. IS ENOUGH , LET THEM GO .
seems this is man is a man of All i always wanting to believe this man was born into this world to save our Soul from cruel politician am glad mimiko attain his destiny And always like to give the best out of Him im Glad it his turn to shine again and Prove Our Enemies wrong That He is submissive in all His doings
i would be praying and always will do to Ever have the best of ondo state during mimiko tenure in office More of Goodes are still coming into the state this could also be achieve collectively if there is Superb cabinet members All nooks and cranny of the state
Thouroghly screen and And politican who has good foot print Look at there past before nominating Your Cabinet member especially In Okeigbo Community am been concern alot cause im one of the lawful citizen
i want the state to go to a greter height and our communties
want mr Governor to no that our community Lack Merit through out the past government
They are Enemies of progress in the community that always want to be a Devil and even there are selfish politician who has turn government into Family Affairs in the community
Hope Mr governor would considered My Point
Long Live ileooluji -Okeigbo local gevrnment long live Okeigbo community
Long Live Ondo state LongLive Fderal republic of Nigeria
olawale
pls sir,remember God and the good people of Ondo state and the struggle,may the good Lord be with you.
IROKO, may the Lord almighty give you power and also bee with you to lead Ondo State to the promiss land.
With great interest i watch the ondo government to perform its so called wonders,its 9 months already and they are still initiating to planning to execution and finally closure.My friends lets face the fact the state is dead!!!.Lets stop critisizing the past government and face the task at hand,the government met billions in the coffin and the state have collected over 30 billion already but yet,we see no improvement.In ondo state today Mimiko is one of the most experienced politician since Olumilua days and up till now he has managed to stay in government and due to this he has no excuse of not knowing what it implies to a leader.Also it would be a big shame for him and his supporters if he fails,because ondo poeple voted for him massively believing he is there saviour.To me i believe he has no plan or agenda for the masses instead he travels all over the place and scheming for ways to survive after 2013.He has a huge task at hand and he should rather face it once and for all and let that speak for him in future.I hope ondo poeple can learn a lesson or two now.
I’m tending to agree with Ogunsakin as the day go by, and my reasoning is simple and a bit different: if the major information outlet for the state can be down this long (~ 2 months), its indicative that the man Mimiko is not really on seat. What’s is going on? This is supposed to be a government with paid staff, why are people not doing their jobs. some of the Governor’s aides are not competent, that is the simple truth.
1st, the information Commissioner, Ranti Akerele. There’s more to his portfolio that noise-making and yapping the PDP and others.
2nd, those boys and girls at SITEC (or whatever their name is), if this were a private company, they all would have been fired a week after the site went down!
Even if they are all keeping sleepless nights to get the site back online, a simple and standard practice is to have a maintenance sign on, it shows that the site has not been abandoned,or hijacked and under maintenance. This is the standard practice worldwide. Why they can’t get it Alagbaka is annoying!!!
Bode George & 7 other looters incarcerated:
Tiun tiun j’igbado oni lu a m’onan orun – an Akure Karenta ditty (Tiun tiun the bird eats the farmer’s corn, be prepared for the most horrendous punishment). I just could not resist the quip!
Bode George and six other jailed for embezzling N84 billion naira (£336 million / US$380 million). 7 down, let’s hope thousands more to go. And here is hoping that Nigeria is really turning the corner in dealing with those swindling and pillaging our treasury.
Please pray, what – imagine that each shared the loot equally amongst themselves – would one single individual do with N12 billion?
Congratulations on this Bode George victory. More to follow lagbara baami loke. But what of his associates in PDP and Labour Party? I don’t agree Lagos boy worked alone.
Ojo gbogbo sa ni tole, sugbon ojo kan ni ti onihun (everyday for the thief but one day for the owner). Will this judgement deter chronic and acute looters in Naija? Will others be brought to books e.g. Aviation and power money looters? Will this assist integrity Governors govern better? Will those who still hope that politics and power equates plunder now desist? We wait and see for this is N-A-I-J-A.
Our current Governor should carry go with stringent method of governance but at the same time start getting the results for the people are not that patient and are getting restless. That said, I for one would favour the Chinese method of management where they spend longer time on decision making and having made the right decisions go for short time implementation of result oriented performances.
T.A. – what would one single individual do with N12billion? What the others do, waste, lavish on numerous concubines and near peadophilic activities, suander on ariyaism, boozeristic acts, buy names and fame. Then save the rest where they will never live to spend it while millions still continue to suffer and die. Good news (and dont call it morbid) they end up roasting in everlasting hell fire.