A group, Ondo state Positive Thinkers on Friday urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to seek for an experience hand that would help him stabilise the state as he continues the hunt for a new deputy.
Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in as the governor of the state following the demise of Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu who lost the battle against prostate cancer on Wednesday.
The governor had been reported to have started consultations across the state and outside the state.
However, the President of the group, Balogun Bodeola in a statement issued Friday said the challenge before Aiyedatiwa right now is how to reconcile the already fractured state following the political crisis that engulfed the state in the last three months.
To this end, the group called on Aiyedatiwa to avoid picking a deputy that would not add value to governance in the state.
The group added that the Governor needs a deputy that understands the political dynamics in the state,a political stabilizer and a bridge builder that would help rebuild the already broken bridges in the state.
It noted: “Though some names have been thrown up and also behind the scene lobbying have been ongoing, we feel that the governor needs a grassroot politician who would help him settle down to work and also humble enough to help Mr. Governor galvernise the people of the state behind him.
“In this wise, we want to suggest Hon. Victor Olabimtan who is not new to the Akeredolu-Aiyedatiwa camp.
“The 66 years old graduate of History, University of Lagos, is currently the Executive Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board since 2022, hails from Supare-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“Olabimtan was the Director General for Akete in 2016 and he also played the same role during Akete re-election in 2020.”
The group stressed that the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and one time governorahip aspirant has political contact across the state, which puts him in a better position to help the governor reconcile the already divided state.
It maintained that Olabimtan, an astute politician and a grassroot mobiliser is the kind of person that the governor needs right now to help stabilise the state because of his reach and contacts.