Abiodun meets with assembly members after Oluomo’s re-election as speaker

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun yesterday met with the newly inaugurated members of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly, with a promise to operate an open-door policy to all regardless of party affiliations, religion or tribe.

Playing host to the members, who were led by the re-elected Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, to the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun reminded them that politics is over, hence the need for all elective officials to join hands to serve the people.

Oluomo was re-elected after about four hours of drama and last minute pressure on his main opponent, Oludaisi Elemide, to quit the race.

Elemide, a loyalist of former Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, stepped down to allow Oluomo emerge unopposed.

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In the absence of further nominations, the Clerk declared Oluomo as the new speaker while a female returning member, Mrs Ajayi Bolanle from Yewa South State constituency, was also elected unopposed as deputy speaker.

Speaking during the meeting, the governor appreciated the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during their proclamation and inauguration, noting that it was an indication that the state is peopled by those who know how to resolve their differences amicably.

“Let me deeply appreciate your sense of responsibility, your leadership qualities that have been exhibited by each and everyone of you at this time. This is how we like to be defined as a state. A state that upholds the tenets of democracy, a state that knows how to resolve its problems, a state that resolves its differences peacefully.

“We must remind ourselves that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria. We are the investor’s destination of choice, we are the education and religious capital in Nigeria and we are a state with many firsts.

“By what you have exhibited today, you have enshrined your names in the history book and your footprints in the sand of times. Ogun State is not a crisis riddled state and that is how we like to be defined,” the governor said.

Abiodun commended those who contested elections and lost, for their magnanimity and ensuring that the proclamation and inauguration was not only peaceful, but rancour free.

The governor expressed the hope that the 10th Assembly would build on the foundation laid by the 9th Assembly by legislating on issues that affect the people positively.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Oluomo said the members came on a courtesy visit to appreciate the governor for his support to the  House at all times.