‘Only extraordinary leaders can tackle economic challenges’

Nigeria requires people with extraordinary ideas to resolve its many challenges, especially the economic recession.

This is the view expressed by senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, when he spoke with journalists in Lagos yesterday.

Jegede, who resigned his position as Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice one month ago, said he wanted to be governor because he is in a better position to transform the economy of Ondo State.

“I came into Olusegun Mimiko’s government from inception in 2009 until when I resigned in July and with all sense of decency, I was actively involved in the achievements of the government. As a result, I am in a better position to continue with our attainments in the health sector, education, agriculture, social services and many more, and even raise the bar if I’m eventually elected the governor of the sunshine state,” Jegede stated.

The lawyer said Governor Mimiko has done well in healthcare delivery, urban renewal and education.

“So, I will sustain that momentum and at the same time concentrate on revamping the economy of the state without necessarily overburdening the people,” he added.

The governorship aspirant described those insinuating that he is Mimiko’s stooge as opponents who are already scared of his popularity. He also reacted to claims that his ambition could disrupt the zoning arrangement in the state.

Jegede, who is from the same Central Senatorial Zone as the incumbent, said zoning has never been a consideration for electing governors in the state.

According to him: “Election in Ondo State is not won on the basis on zoning but on merit. Argument about zoning is being planted and spread by small people who don’t believe in merit, it is an argument that is deceptive and should be discountenanced by those who want the best for the state. Competence, efficiency and integrity should be the requirements and those are what I am offering.”