A media aide to former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, has asked the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, to excercise decency and the requisite caution in speaking about others.
In a statement released in Akure, John Paul Akinduro, Special Assistant, Media, to the former Governor, said a snide remark credited to the Senator on Dr. Mimiko’s decision to part ways with PDP, and return to Labour Party, “is unbecoming, if not irresponsible.”
Akinduro, in the statement, counselled Ekweremadu on the need to be sure of his facts before making statements. “For one, the man he took a swipe at became Governor, and won reelection, on the platform of Labour Party, in spite of some of the players now in the PDP. He was not given any phantom opportunity to so do, as alleged by Ekweremadu in his unwarranted attack.
“Also, it is on record that Dr. Mimiko does not make reckless statements against anybody, party or group in the name of politics. It is this type of decency and maturity that he expects of others.”
Akinduro noted that while it is understandable that Mimiko’s exit from PDP may be hurtful for Ekweremadu, it is, however, expected that he learns to handle the pain with equanimity.”
According to him, “Mimiko has played politics with uncommon decency. He has taken political risks without being rash and irascible, and will not allow himself to be dragged to the slimy terrain that Ekweremadu seems to now find comfort in.”
In conclusion, Akinduro noted that “while comprehending the realities and higher goals that dictated the withdrawal of Mimiko from PDP, and return to LP, may be a difficult task for Ekweremadu and his likes, Nigerians, particularly in Ondo State, are enjoined not to be so distracted. Rather, they should join and support LP as it rebuilds to provide a truly ideological alternative to the mainstream parties.”
