…As Aiyedatiwa, party leaders discuss state, political matters
The Ondo State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) on Saturday, held its maiden meeting, hosted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The GAC is made up of selected leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, with the objective of offering counsel and support to the Governor on issues of governance and the growth of the ruling party.
Former Chairman of the Board of Directors of NNPC Limited and former National Vice Chairman of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, serves as the Chairman while the National Vice Chairman (South West) of the party and former Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, serves as the Secretary.
The closed-door meeting deliberated on various issues bothering on the development of the state under Governor Aiyedatiwa and the growth of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the GAC chairman, Chief Akinyelure described the parley as fruitful, noting that it focused on strengthening ties between the government and the party.
“The Governor is very happy about the meeting. What we have basically discussed is the growth the party and the success of the government, which is headed by Mr. Governor. Ours is to bridge the gap, to make sure that thw party grows and the government is successful. Whatever is going on in government is exposed to the party, so that there can be a smooth relationship. I am not only satisfied, I am encouraged by the participation of our members”, Akinyelure said.
Former APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, commended the Governor for convening the council and noted that the closed-door format encouraged frank discussions.
“First and foremost, I have to appreciate the governor for setting up this Governor’s Advisory Council. Because of such a forum, we make suggestions as elders of the party. If we continue at this trend, even the sky is not the limit for the state. One very commendable thing is the governor’s receptive attitude accommodating everyone, regardless of past views before he became governor. There’s no room for disunity. The governor is for all of us. He’s the leader of the party in the state, and we acknowledge that leadership”, Oluwajana said.
On the outcome of the meeting, the GAC Secretary, Hon. Kekemeke, said the meeting was aimed at stabilising the government and party in the state, saying “Basically, it’s meant to stabilise government and the party. The governor has been availed of the experience of many people, and we have resolved a number of issues. We restated the obvious fact that the governor is the leader of the party in the state. We also agreed that support groups, particularly presidential support groups, can continue to exist but cannot serve as alternatives to the party or be used to divide it. Support groups are meant to support the party and the presidential aspiration of our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We were satisfied with the governor’s performance and advised him on wider consultations with stakeholders. We concluded that our party is one, with no factions, and advised on collegiate leadership at the local government level for more inclusive decision-making”, Kekemeke said.
Other leaders at the meeting included former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, General Funso Oyenehin (rtd), Ambassador Sola Iji, Chief Bode Sunmonu, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Dr. Ayodeji Oyedele and Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti.
