Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unveiled the timeline for the forthcoming Ondo State Governorship Elections, scheduling Primary Elections for April, 2024 and General Elections for November, 2024.
Prior to this announcement by the nation’s electoral umpire, inhabitants of the State had eagerly awaited clarity on the commencement of the electoral processes. Their eagerness stemmed from a desire to assess their options prudently, ensuring decisions made would not only benefit them but also future generations.
With the public disclosure of the schedules and the commencement of the journey to determine the successor of the incumbent Governor, it is evident that a thorough examination of three pivotal factors: Governance, Experience and Management—is imperative.
Governance encompasses structures and processes aimed at fostering accountability, transparency, responsiveness, adherence to the rule of law, stability, equity, inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation. On the other hand, Experience encompasses gaining practical knowledge and skills required for such highly exalted office from direct observation or personal participation; while Management involves the mobilization and transformation of available physical, human, and financial resources to achieve tangible outcomes. Effective Management involves individuals or groups endowed with the authority to achieve desired results, while Governance embodies the norms, values, and rules governing public affairs, ensuring transparency, participatory decision-making, inclusivity, and responsiveness. Learning by Experience on the job is the hallmark of any enterprise if success and continuous growth must be achieved. Governance without prior Experience on the job will not only lead to ineffectual Management but will be a major bane, and suicidal to the development of our dear State.
In scrutinizing these critical factors: Governance, Experience and Management—the electorate is tasked with selecting a leader whose administration prioritizes an all inclusive Governance, whose Experience is irrefutably conspicuous, and whose Management acumen is unparalleled, as evident in their track records in the public domain.
Without further ado, it is imperative to adopt a factual and realistic approach regarding the individual to be elected to serve as Governor come November, 2024. In this regard, a meticulous analysis of the contenders from both the ruling APC and opposition parties ahead of the 2024 Governorship Elections assumes paramount importance.
While all gubernatorial aspirants are presumed to possess sufficient wherewithal to govern the people of Ondo State, it is crucial to consider the three major factors ensuring optimal leadership—Governance, Experience and Management. Among his peers, the incumbent Governor, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, a rare GEM (Governance oriented, richly Experienced and unquestionable Management skills), stands out as the optimal choice and the epitome of excellence for the people of Ondo State as they embark on the journey to select their next Governor.
It is not an exaggeration to assert that Honorable Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a successful entrepreneur before venturing into politics, has demonstrated exceptional managerial prowess, garnered enough experience, ensuring that political engagements do not impede governance. Notably, during his tenure as Chairman of the ODSFA Interim Committee, he revitalized the state-owned football team, Sunshine FC, rescuing it from impending auction due to mismanagement and financial constraints. Today, Sunshine FC thrives, a testament to the Governor’s adept leadership.
Furthermore, his adept handling of boundary disputes and reforms within the Local Government Commission—a testament to his effective leadership—underscores the notion that good governance is achievable.
Since assuming office as Governor of Ondo State on December 27, 2023, Honorable Lucky Aiyedatiwa has tirelessly worked to ensure the populace enjoys the dividends of democracy and feels the government’s presence. His initiatives include but not limited to the cessation of partial salary payments, prompt payment of full salaries to workers at both local and state levels, clearance of salary arrears for civil servants, and directives for contractors to expedite ongoing projects. Additionally, he has prioritized the welfare of the people by settling salary arrears for RUGIPO lecturers and gratuities for 2014 retirees.
As the people of Ondo State embark on the journey to select their next leader, Governance, Experience and Management should remain the primary considerations, ensuring they settle for nothing less than excellence. It is no time for trial by error.
We have a GEM in the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. A perfect round peg in a round hole.
***Olubunmi Ololajulo is Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor of Ondo State.
