Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday assured residents of the state that he will not impose anyone as his successor ahead of the 2015 general elections.
Ajimobi while speaking during the inauguration of Oyo State Market Leaders Council in Ibadan, however, declared that his concern was to have a successor who will build on the feats recorded by his administration in he areas of peace, security, social and physical infrastructure, trade and investment among others.
He noted that he does not pray for a puppet to succeed him, instead, the governor prayed that his successor should be a person who wholeheartedly desires all-round development of the state.
He then urged the people of the state not to belabour themselves about the notion that he plans to impose anybody as his successor, saying that it is almost impossible to totally ‘control’ a successor.
Ajimobi while speaking said, “This administration still has till May 2019. However, in politics, we have just about a year to go.
“This means that by this December, we will be in the thick of politics and would have begun campaigning for votes for my successor. Though some will say that my concern when I begin canvassing for votes for a successor is that I want to impose someone who will be my puppet upon the people. But the truth is whether you impose or not, that person, may after a while, no more do one’s bidding.
“What I am concerned about is having a successor who will do well for the state. Even a child, at some point, may not always take heed to his or her parents. Moreover, when the child gets married, he or she may begin to take heed to only the stance of his or her hubby.
“We have done well and should pray that whoever emerges next governor will continue to promote trade and investment, peace and security, social and physical infrastructure. What the people of Oyo state should pray for is that the next governor should be someone who will be committed to doing well for the state. The person may decide not to do exactly things our own way and do it as dictated by his own closest people. So, our prayer should be that whoever emerges should mean well for the people”.
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