ILORIN – PDP’s Kwara governorship candidate, Sen. Simeon Ajibola, on Saturday in Ilorin promised to give autonomy to the 16 local governments in the state if voted into office in 2015.
“I assure that Kwara local governments will be autonomous, and not only that, they will be autonomous in the choice of chairmen, in the choice of councillors and in the control of funds,” he said while addressing newsmen on his arrival in Ilorin from Abuja.
Ajibola also promised that he would exercise his functions as the state’s Chief Executive Officer in consonance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He assured the people of the state that he would not deduct any money from the funds accruing to the local governments from the Federation Account.
“Apart from the statutory deductions, what is due to the local governments will be given to them,” the governorship candidate said.
Ajibola said the PDP believed in good governance and judicious utilisation of resources of the state for the people and not for individuals.
He his victory at the primary election was not for him alone, but for all those who decided to put themselves forward for public service in their efforts to rescue Kwara.
“I hereby plead with you all to put personal interests aside. Respect the decision of the delegates and remind ourselves of our pledges and promises to work together for the success of the party,” the senator said.
Ajibola who also announced Alhaji Yinka Aluko as his running mate for the 2015 governorship election thanked his party members at the national, state, local and ward levels.
He said they deserved praises for conducting free, fair, transparent and credible primary elections which produced delegates and candidates.
The party flag bearer commended his co-contestants for the courage they demonstrated, saying it showed that PDP was capable of organising a primary without a self-anointed leader.
“You have also shown to the world that you are all worthy ambassadors working towards the same goal.
“I salute you for the very peaceful and competitive exercise that resulted in the primary elections,” Ajibola said.
He promised not to disappoint the members, the elders and chieftains of the party, pledging not to betray the trust they have in him.(NAN)