Ex-Speaker Bankole to party members: I’ll uphold mandate given to me

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Party for the 2019 election in Ogun State, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, has assured party members and the people of the State of his readiness to serve them diligently if elected into office.
Bankole, Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, said this on Monday when he was officially unveiled by the party as its flagbearer at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.
The unveiling was done by the State Chairman of the party, Chief Wale Egunleti.
Bankole said: “I am exceedingly happy to be nominated as our party’s gubernatorial candidate.
“I am grateful to this massive structure you have built in the last six years, especially in the last two years.
“I promise that I will not, in any capacity, play with the ticket that you have given me.
“I believe I can speak on behalf of all other candidates that come February and March 2019, we will deliver.
“I am speaking with all confidence with the work that you have done in the last two years, and still doing, most of it covertly.
“We are in for a shot at the seat in this state.
“We are dependent on God and the work that we have done and still doing, especially at the grassroots level.
“I assure you that the economic complexities of the Ogun State are not difficult.
“And the motor of our party: ‘Mass Employment,’ is something that we will follow.”
Egunleti described Bankole as a tested and trusted leader who has the capacity to deliver good dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
He said: “When we began our long walk to freedom, we knew that the road ahead would be tough.
“We were, however, strengthened by our resolve to abide by democratic principles and distinguish ourselves from those who engage in acts which are detrimental to our democracy.
“In light of recent events in which primaries by other parties were marred by violence and are even subject to litigation, we in the Action Democratic Party have set ourselves apart by conducting primaries in a most peaceful manner, which will remain as a point of reference for years to come.
“I commend you all for your commitment and the role you played in making this happen.”