Lecture: Mimiko awarded the title of Most Wasteful Governor in Nigeria history

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Lecture delivered by Alabi at an ACN meet in Los Angeles
THE story of Ondo State is that of a state with such huge and promising potentials, that has fallen on spells of underdevelopment, underperformance and mismanagement due to mediocre and unimaginative leadership. Ondo State is the fourth largest economy in Nigeria by way of revenue apportionment from the Federal Government. But it is among the poorest states because of the mismanagement of her resources. For instance, between 2009 and 2012, the government of Ondo State received over N600 billion. But there is little or no infrastructure to justify this huge financial allocation.

Site of the abandoned multi-billion naira dome

There are no infrastructure, institutions and government-sponsored programmes to encourage and nurture the creation of wealth, and the building of the middle class. This has resulted in the creation and perpetuation of a consumptive society where there’s no encouragement and support of manufacturing and mass production of goods and services. Unlike Baba Awolowo who fostered the creation of wealth for the Yorubas during his illustrious tenure in office, by investing in education, infrastructure and industries, our past, recent and current leaders have neglected these most important duties of nation and state building. Investing in infrastructure and the creation of a manufacturing base that are so vital to the survival of our state and our people are lacking. As history has shown, any society that only consumes what others have produced, without manufacturing it’s own goods and services, such as Taiwan ,China and India to name a few countries that have recently transitioned to manufacturing economies, would never be economically strong nor politically relevant.
The present economy of Ondo State ails critically. There is rampant poverty and hunger among the people. Most of the citizenry have lost their jobs, homes and dignities. Yet, in the midst of these hard and trying times, the ruling politicians, with their access to the treasuries, continue to display affluence in contempt of the masses they profess to serve. These officials are usually inaccessible and intolerant to advice and opposition. They are not available in their offices, homes, nor could they be reached by phone or SMS.
The Labour party government of Ondo State has the highest number of political appointees in Nigeria. The consequence of a bloated civil service is the high cost of recurrent expenditure for the government. There is a potential for financial trouble and ruin for a state, when the largest part of its budget and revenue goes to the payment of salaries and compensations of government staff and personnel. With so little percentage of total revenue allocated and invested on economic and job generating projects and infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, schools and so on, the future economic and social outlook of the state is bleak.!
These huge operating recurrent expenditures has robbed the people of the state of revenues that could have been invested in laying the foundation of a good infrastructural network across the state, that would have become a catalyst for growth and flourishing economy for generations to come.
Thus the goal of bestowing the leadership of Ondo State to Akeredolu, SAN, is a noble undertaking that all sons and daughters of Ondo should give their utmost considerations. Our efforts will help usher in a better and brighter future for the people of our state. The future of our children and their children would be most assured. This aspiration is about running a government that will be second to none in Nigeria. A government that would be dedicated to the creation of wealth and the building of a solid middle class. It is about moving away from a consumption economy to that of production and manufacturing based economy. Ondo State is blessed with abundance natural resources. We have huge reserves and deposits of crude oil, granite, palm oil, glass, etc.
Ondo State needs peace and stability. This is the time for Mr. Mimiko to truly reflect and consider the consequences of his present and future actions, and how history will judge him.
For those who may not know about this great organisation, AKETI 2013 is a most influential and politically connected organisation whose membership is made up of brothers and sisters from Ondo State who are captains and barons of industries; professionals; academicians and eminent citizens who are resident in Lagos. It is an organisation that is dedicated to the advancement and progress of Ondo State and her people. Over the years, AKETI 2013 has played such vital roles in the political life of Nigeria and in the political life of Ondo State in particular.
These patriots, after so many years of serving and bolstering, are dismayed and disillusioned with the discouraging status of the present economic, social ,and political well being of our state, despite the huge revenues it has received as it’s share of federal revenue over the years. We are dissatisfied with the philosophy, policies and the direction of the current administration of Ondo State.
Furthermore, these distinguished men and women are committed to bring about change by redoubling our efforts; raising our voices; and voting overwhelmingly on October 20, 2012 (election day).
On 28th July 2012, the ACN flag for ‘A Brighter Tomorrow For The Great People of Ondo State’ was bestowed on Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN. His political philosophy and economic development plans were released to the public through the press, where his reconstruction and development plans for Ondo State were clearly enunciated. His aims to transform Ondo State to a modern, efficient and technologically advanced and self sufficient state were set out in this most ambitious document that has been lauded as a far-reaching economic and development plans.
According to experts, if faithfully executed, the economic plans would transform Ondo State into a modern and technologically efficient state such as currently exists in the states of the United States, Europe and Asia. The most eloquent tribute to Akeredolu’s candidature has been the enthusiastic reception by the people of Ondo State.
LibertyReporter