Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, has insisted that for reasons of equality and fairness, Nigeria's next leader must be from the nation's south.
If Nigeria is to continue to exist, according to Akeredolu's remarks in Akure, "there is a need to rotate the Presidency for equality and fairness."
He spoke at a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 22 event in Akure, Nigeria honouring the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day observance.
The governor outlined the celebration's motivation: to recall the loved ones of Nigerians who lost their lives in war and peacekeeping operations around the globe.
His words: “I am equally mindful that several security challenges have claimed the lives of many of our great officers and soldiers.
“Indeed, the selfless services of our men in this noble profession to ensuring national cohesion and global peace cannot be quantified.
“The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration is, therefore, to honour our departed war heroes and veterans and appreciate those still alive, particularly those that had suffered various deprivations in the cause of their duties and operations.
“I wish to reiterate that the annual celebration will not be complete without creating an avenue for us to thank God for how far he has led us as a nation and as a state.
“This solemn service is equally an opportunity to commit the dependants of the departed heroes and those amongst them that are still alive, into God’s hands.”
On the other hand, Akeredolu recently sanctioned N533,948 million to cover the cost of the West African Senior School Certificate Exam (WASSCE) for pupils in public institutions across the state.
This, according to a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, “following a memo sent to the governor by the State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Femi Agagu.”
“The memo was dated December 29th, 2022.
“In approving the memo, Governor Akeredolu instructed that the sum be paid directly to WAEC to be receipted for.
“The gesture was part of the determination of the Akeredolu-led administration to encourage education and ease the financial burden on parents.
“The Akeredolu-led administration has continued to prioritise functional education in the state. Aside from the reconstruction of public Primary Schools in the state, this administration has been committed to payment of WASSCE fees.”