Why I’ll break second term jinx — Ajimobi

OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has said he
will break the perceived jinx of second term in office by
winning the February 14 governorship election in the state.
He said though he did not believe such jinx existed in the
politics of the state, he was confident that his record of
good governance since he assumed office in 2011 would
deliver the good.
He spoke while responding to a question during an
interactive session he held with some editors in Ibadan, on
Saturday.
Leaning on some historical facts for his confidence about
victory in February’s poll, the governor said he would break
the jinx if it existed at all.
He said such myth was partly responsible for the slow pace
of development in the Nigerian society generally, adding
that he was poised to end such mythical thoughts.
“There is no jinx. Who said there is a jinx? Chief Obafemi
Awolowo served two terms during the defunct Western
Region. Since Oyo State was created, nobody has done two
terms. Since Nigeria was created, no Jonathan has been
president, but one Jonathan became president.
“In my family, nobody had ever been governor. I am the
first person. So, I don’t believe there is any jinx. It is just
one man that said it and I think it was Chief Dejo Raimi,
who just said people don’t do two terms in Oyo State.
“That is why we are not developing and the government is
not consistent. Lagos State is doing well because there has
been consistency of good governance. I honestly believe in
Oyo State that I am going to break that jinx. I just believe it,
given what we have done. So, all what some people are
saying against us is a mere propaganda,” he said.
Ajimobi reiterated that his administration had marched
words with action, by spreading development to all parts of
the states, citing the provision of infrastructure, revamping
of education, healthcare, proper funding and equipping of
the security architecture to mention but a few of the
pragmatic measures taken by the government to place Oyo
on a sound pedestal.
All these, he said, had culminated into creating an enabling
environment for more leading industrialists investing in the
state since it is rated as one of the most peaceful and
safest in the country.
“Seriously speaking, I don’t have any doubt as to winning
the second term. The only thing we are competing against
is rigging. I honestly believe one party has been divided
into four; our major contender has been divided into four.
“Secondly, I have won elections three times in Oyo State. I
won the three, but I was denied one and the results of the
one that we went to court for showed that the number of
voters was more than those who registered. So, what we
are saying is that all things being equal, I honestly believe
that if the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) provides a level-playing field, which I believe they
will, victory is certain.”
Ajimobi added that one other major factor that would give
him an added advantage was the seeming baggage of
those regarded as key challengers in the governorship
contest.
He said it was a matter of regret that it was only in the
country that persons with questionable character could
have the guts to seek elective public office, instead of
burying their heads in the sand.
“It is only in Nigeria that people with questionable
character; people that have been accused and are yet to
clear their names still have the audacity to come and
campaign,” he said, stressing, however, that he was
unpertubed by their antics and the defection of some APC
chieftains to rival political parties. .
“Coming back to the issue of people defection, I am telling
you today that a lot of people are trooping into APC; people
with huge supporters; they have met and discussed with
us.
“Also, we have the support of the workers because we have
helped them. There were promotions, salary enhancement,
and training. Even, traders and partisans are with us; they
are declaring their support for us on a daily basis,” he
stated.