Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has applauded the outgoing local government Chairmen for their outstanding performance in their respective council areas.
Oyebanji disclosed that he was impressed by the chairmen’s performances and services to Ekiti, describing their efforts in the last two years in the saddle as satisfactory.
The Governor stated these in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, at a valedictory luncheon organised in honour of the outgoing Chairmen of Local Government / Local Council Development Areas, by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.
The event which was also graced by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, came a day ahead of the inauguration of newly elected council chairmen billed for Thursday, January 4.
During his interaction with the local government henchmen, Oyebanji appreciated them for giving their best to the state, saying that their performance had shored up the level of progress and development at the third tier of government.
“On behalf of the good people of Ekiti State and your councils, I stand here to thank you for your services to the state and for helping in delivering democracy dividends to our people.
“You have all done well, history will continue to be kind to you. You deserve to be honoured and celebrated because you have done so well”
The Governor assured the local government chairmen that their successors will complete all ongoing projects they have started, saying his government has strong aversion for abandoned projects at the council level in the interest of Ekiti citizens.
Oyebanji said: “For those that have been returned, I congratulate you. Those that are not returned, there is no point to fear about tomorrow, it is common to public office holders. There are times for entry and exit . If you are exiting, see it as part of life”.
Oyebanji appealed to the council bosses to put behind them the acrimonies of the recent party’s primary, saying the future is still bright for those who had done exceedingly well in serving the people.
“Wherever we find ourselves as politicians, we must be humble with power. You must connect with the people, treat them with respect and honour. You must also serve God. If God has singled you out among the people to lead, try and get closer to Him”.
Speaking further about political contest, Oyebanji said: “It is not a game one should be angry over. I have lost elections two times. I lost with former Governor Niyi Adebayo in 2003. I lost with Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2014. So, those that will not be coming, don’t see it as the end of life. Don’t limit God, he can still take you to a higher position”.
Applauding the Governor for giving direction on how best to make the councils more productive, the Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Ekiti chapter, Hon. Olabode Adetunji, hinged their performances to high level of financial independence allowed by the Oyebanji in councils.
Adetunji, who doubles as the Chairman of Efon Local Government, promised that the incoming council henchmen will back the governor in the realisation of his dream at the local government level.
“You are a special breed of Governor. You allowed the local governments to be free and flourish. That is why we are having projects all over the state. Be rest assured that the incoming ones will build on our legacies.
“We appreciate the governor for giving us this opportunity to serve”, he said.