The Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed shock over the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
According to him, by Akeredolu’s death, the Forum and, indeed, Nigeria have lost one of its finest brains and an unrepentant defender of democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement he signed in Owerri, Uzodimma regretted that the wishes and expectations of the Forum that Governor Akeredolu would pull through his illness have been dashed by his eventual demise.
He added that “Members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, as well as other State Governors, were looking forward to Akeredolu’s full recovery and resumption of duties, but definitely not his death.”
“There is no doubt that we have lost one of the greatest Progressives of our time. He always stood on the side of Progressive politics. He was a democrat and activist who fought for the masses”, the PGF Chairman noted.
He recalled that Akeredolu’s sterling performance as the Ondo State Governor during his first tenure easily won him a reelection and entrenched APC in the State.
Uzodimma recalled equally that as the National President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and even as Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, Akeredolu, discharged his assignments creditably and conscientiously.
He noted that Akeredolu’s death had left a void in the national political landscape, and urged Nigerians and the people of Ondo State to find solace in the knowledge that the departed Governor would always be remembered for his principles and unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of Nigeria.
Uzodimma, on behalf of the Forum, also commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation over the loss of Akeredolu.
He condoled with the late governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, and his family for the great loss and urged the people of Ondo State to preserve the legacies of the departed governor by maintaining the peace that Ondo State has been known for.
Editor: Ken Eseni
