Ogun 2023: Jimi Lawal declares governorship ambition, unfolds agenda
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Otunba Jimi Lawal, a reputable banker and lawyer on Thursday at Ake palace ground, Abeokuta officially declared his intention to contest for the governorship seat of Ogun State come 2023.
Otunba Jimi Lawal who hailed from Ijebu Ode and immediate past Senior Adviser on Economic development to Gov Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State is the fourth governorship aspirant to declare interest on the platform of the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Others who have declared governorship ambition on the platform of PDP include Hon Oladipupo Adebutu, former federal lawmaker representing Remo Federal constituency, Mr Segun Showunmi, ex-Spokesman to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as well as Prof David Bamgbose.
Lawal recently dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing the crowd at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, Lawal said that he joined the governorship race to bring his vast experience in both private and public service into governance in the state.
The aspirant, who also contested for the same position in 2019 under the platform of APC, expressed worries over the issue of insecurity in the state, particularly, the recent cult clashes which left no fewer than 16 people dead
He said, if given the mandate of his party and eventually emerge as governor, in 2023, his administration will focus on wealth creation, human capital, infrastructure, good governance and security of lives and property.
While taking a swipe at the current administration in the state for failing to live up to its electoral promises, Lawal declared he would ameliorate the sufferings the people in the state are currently going through.
He, however, said he would ensure salaries of public servants are paid not later than 24th of every month
Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the PDP in Ogun, Sikirulahi Ogundele, said the party would provide a level playing ground for every contestant.
He lamented that the ruling party, APC, has messed up Nigeria and put Nigerians in agonizing situation, urging Ogun residents to vote out APC come 2023.
Also speaking, PDP chairman in Oyo State, Dayo Ogungbenro, said PDP is the only party that can salvage the nation from its present challenges, imploring the people not to hesitate to return the party to power in Ogun.
Ogungbenro said “for instance everyone in Oyo State has already agreed that Engr Seyi Makinde deserves another term because as a governor elected on the platform of PDP he has continued working for the good of the people, he prioritises the welfare of the people unlike APC that is making life difficult for Nigerians. So, the people of Ogun State should also maximize the opportunity next year and vote in PDP to end this agonizing and traumatising APC government”.
