Youth groups across Ondo State have begged former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, to declare intention to contest the governorship election scheduled for November.
They urged Akinterinwa to declare his intention after the burial of ex-Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The youth spoke at a solidarity rally/march held in Akure. The rally moved through major streets of Akure.
Youths’ leader, Prince Dapo Adepoju said the rally was to tell Akinterinwa that his track record was enough for him to lead Ondo State to the next level. He said youths had made their choice by picking Akinterinwa.
Said he: “We are getting closer to the electioneering period in Ondo State and we as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the youth wing, we believe that youths are the pillars in any state. We have consulted across the 18 local governments of the state within the progressives and we look at it that Mr. Wale Akinterinwa is the best man for the job.
“Akinterinwa served as the Commissioner for Finance during the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and honourably, he resigned his appointment.
“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, he chose Akinterinwa from one of the few individuals across the 774 local governments that make up this country as one of the people that would rejig the economy as a member of the National Tax Reform Committee. These are the things we know and we believe he has the pedigree to lead this state.
“We feel he is the best person. We are appealing that he accepts our offer. We are appealing to our party leaders in the Southwest to help us appeal to Akinterinwa to accept our offer.”
Responding, Mr. Akinterinwa said he has continued to receive goodwill messages and words of encouragement from both the young and the old within and outside Ondo State, adding that the people of Ondo State believe and know that I am the best among the aspirants.
He added: ” I appreciate your presence and the massive turnout. Your kind words are reassuring and comforting. Various individuals, groups, and organisations have been saying the same thing, that they trust my capacity and capability to consolidate the gains of the Aketi administration and chart new paths to sustained development. We will not disappoint you”.
