… Says I can contest senatorial seat in Lagos

From Clement Adeyi, Osogbo

Related News

Ahead of the end of his tenure in November next year, Governor  Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State yesterday gave account of his stewardship since he assumed power in 2010.
Speaking at an executive programme tagged: “Ogbeni Till Daybreak,”  which began from Friday night till the early hours of yesterday and provided a platform for questions and answers, Aregbesola  responded to the volleys of questions from the press, his supporters, traditional rulers people from within and outside the state, students, youths among others.
He scored himself high in every aspect of his administration, with emphasis on developments in infrastructure, education, employment, health, civil service among others.
The governor, however, promised to improve in areas that he had not been able to live up to expectations, following the current economic recession in the country, which, he said, had resulted in poor federal allocations to the state.
Aregbesola told the audience that the major key to the continuation of the developmental projects of his administration was for the people of the state to vote for the right candidate to succeed him in 2018.
He disclosed that his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), would ensure that only a veteran politician that had critical understanding of his administration’s six-point integral action plans philosophy succeeded him.
Aregbesola also restated his vow to complete all his projects before leaving the office.
The governor, however, commended the workers for their understanding, resilience and cooperation in the face of the economic recession.
He also cleared the air on the allegation of inflation of roads contract, saying the costs of roads were not the same everywhere in the country.
“As we all know, the costs of roads are not the same anywhere in the world. We cannot compare the cost of a kilometre of roads in every part of the world. Our roads are done with active participation by the officials of Ministry of Works with absolute transparency in the rates and costs. The rate is in line with international standard,” he said.
Aregbesola also debunked the claim that the Osun APC is currently in disarray over who succeeds him in 2018.
He argued that the APC in the state was very strong and deeply rooted at the grassroots across the state and set to maintain its status as the ruling party in the state.
On the rumour making the rounds about his ambition to contest for Lagos West Senatorial District, Aregbesola said he had the right to contest for the position either in Lagos or Osun.
“As I am large in Osun, so also I am large in Lagos. So, I can contest for the senatorial seat in any of the states,” he said. “If I want to contest, I can contest anywhere. If we are genuine and sincere about regional rearrangement, then why are we concerned about where a man comes from? Rauf can appear when the time comes anywhere in the region.
“But let me tell you this, that there is no such decision yet. On Tuesday, November 27, 2018 when I will leave  the office, we will still have six clear months to election. In other words, I still have time to decide,” Aregbesola said.