MIMIKO A PEEP INTO THE MIND OF AN ENIGMA BY: ROTIMI OLAJIDE
time. He is a long distance runner, one who would rather walk alone than basked in the delusion of moving into the “regional mainstream” with ulterior motives. He has never shied away from regional integration for economic benefits of the people of the South-West, but his “crime” is that he having not secured the mandate of his people to move to the increasingly clannish dominant party in the region, has incurred the wrath of the demi-gods in the party. I recall with anxiety how Bola Tinubu, Rauf Arebgesola and some mis-informed minorities in Ondo went virtually from one media house to another during the campaigns for the Ondo State gubernatorial elections shouting themselves hoarse that Mimiko was going to kiss the dust. The man simply went about campaigning based on issues and achievements unprecedented in the annals of the state. It was not surprising that he won handsomely and has since increased his pace of work. His understanding of politics and its complexities informed choices made thus far. He is such a leader who will allow subordinates with superior arguments to have their say and way. His lieutenants probably have greater decision latitude than their counterparts in the South West and this account for the dynamic way and manner the administration records huge success in its pursuit of governmental objectives. During the last gubernatorial elections in Ondo State, it was remarkable to watch the soft-spoken, thoughtful and self-deprecating
governor as he looked calm at the ground swell of opposition which was enough to demoralize the faint hearted but not Mimiko. He was calm, calculative and continued to canvass a strong partnership with the electorates via good governance and provision of sound policy implementation whilst the opposition continued to bark, dance and sing a song only too familiar with them. The people know who their hero is and decided to return Mimiko for a second term in office an unprecedented feat in the annals of Ondo State since its creation over three decades ago. Like Thomas Carlyle had said, “the courage we desire and prize is not the courage to die decently but to live manfully. Like a rolling stone who gathers no moist, he has vowed to ensure an end to preventive diseases, a situation whereby mothers die from pregnancy, urban renewal projects by way of provision of modern infrastructure as well as massive allocation of fund to the education sector. For him, privileges often come with special challenges which if not properly handled makes failure of great men. This belief finds relevance in the above expression of Napoleon in looking at the person and continued relevance of traits such as staying power and focus. Mimiko, realizes that his task is to continue to provide leadership and good governance at such a time as this.
The New Look: Akure Roundabout Town Centre
The New Ultra Modern Garage
Play Ground & Garden
St.Peter’s Bus-Stop
Ondo Town Cultural Dance
Mother & Child Hospital Akure
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THE ATLANTIS