By Abdkareem Idris
A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress in Ekiti State, Senator Ayo Arise has expressed shock at the demise of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Arise, in a condolence message made available to newsmen in Ado—Ekiti on Thursday, described Akeredolu as true patriot, acclaimed defender of the truth, advocate of equity and true federalism whose shoes will be too big for anyone to fill.
Arise who represented Ekiti North Senatorial district between 2007 and 2011 at the red chamber said he was pained that Nigeria could lose such a highly experienced person, especially at this time when his service was most needed.
He recalled with nostalgia how the late Governor led the initiative for the establishment of Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun despite strong opposition from different quarters against such a novel initiative.
In Arise’s words, “ Akeredolu was a strong crusader of true federalism, a first class democrat, legal luminary, consummate administrator, an activist and a very principled politician who never wavered or compromised on anything be believed in.
“He was one of the rising stars and new breed of leaders our great country was lucky to have, a constitutional lawyer who believed in the rule of law and never cease at any critical moment to employ the law to defend his actions.
“Nigeria loss a colossus, a fighter, defender of human right and rare gem whose memory will linger for a long time to come.
“I commiserate with the people of Ondo State and his family, may the good Lord give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss”, Arise said
