GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State received almost 4,000 defecting members of opposition parties to his Labor Party on Saturday.
Mainly from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Action Congress of Nigeria, their defection reflected the governor’s growing popularity in the Sunshine State as the governorship election approaches.
Speaking at Idanre town, in Idanre Local Government Area of the state, the governor pledged that his government would not relent, until his dream of a modern Ondo State, where industries, and commercial activities would thrive in a conducive environment, becomes a reality.
According to Mimiko, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (COS), Dr Kola Ademujimi, the people should, however, allow peace to reign in their domains.
The defectors, who were received by Ademujimi and two commissioners from the town, Messrs Kayode Akinmade and Taiye Akinyele, attributed their decision to the good works and support of the current administration in the state.
Some of the defectors at Idanre included a former chairman of all the ACN wards chairmen in Idanre Local Government Area, Mr Ilesanmi Akinde alias Ajekulaye; the Shao of Alade, Mr Olushola Dickson, and Mr Adelanke Oluwasiji, alias Fibre, among others.
Also, the governor, at Ijare town, in the Ifedore Local Government Area of the state, assured residents of the state government’s collaboration with relevant security agencies to make sure that all forms of violence are curtailed.
He also pledged to make sure that the ongoing developmental efforts of his administration are spread across the state, notwithstanding the campaign of calumny against his government.