The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, warned the newly elected Local Government Councilors against perceiving their Chairmen as rivals, saying this could dim the chances of effecting positive changes and development at the third tier of government.
To avert internal squabbles that could stoke intra-party crisis and derail governance, Oyebanji urged the elected officials to work harmoniously with the executive to effectively implement the policies of government geared towards cascading development to the council areas for the benefit of the grassroots’ population.
Oyebanji said these in Ikere Ekiti, while flagging off a one-day capacity training powered by a House of Representatives member, Hon. Adeniyi Ojuawo for the newly elected councilors in Ise/Orun, Ikere and Ekiti Southwest Local Government Areas of the State .
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, congratulated the councilors on their victories in the recent local government election, appealing that they should discharge their legislative duties with utmost honesty, passion, dedication, loyalty and diligence.
Oyebanji advised that they perceive the opportunity as a veritable window to make tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the electorate, and not an avenue for corrupt enrichment and playing of divisive politics.
“In displaying this loyalty, you must shun any act that could ignite crisis in your councils. Don’t perceive your Chairmen as rivals, rather, cooperate with them in discharge of your legislative and other oversight functions to help Governor Oyebanji cascades development down to the grassroots to liberate our people from poverty, neglect and exclusion.
“Governor Oyebanji has even set a pace about how an ideal Executive/Legislature relationship should be, with his unbreakable affinity with the members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Kindly take a cue from this.
“You all know the priority Governor Oyebanji places on the development of our local government system and getting it right in our local politics. This, he had demonstrated by the quantum of projects he initiated at that cadre by allowing high leverage of financial independence for our councils under his impressive and superlative leadership.
“Be rest assured that this loyalty to our people Governor Oyebanji has been exhibiting will continue for the task of making Ekiti progressive across boards to be attainable under this current government”.
He added that the capacity building workshop was primarily conceptualised by the sponsor for you to be imbued with knowledge f legislation, saying similar training was organised for the Local Government Chairmen shortly after they were inaugurated into offices.
“Going by the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Councilors are empowered to represent their wards, spearhead community’s political leadership, developing council policy and for Planning and regulation for smooth operation of the Local Government System to engender good governance.
“I appeal to you to work assiduously to ensure you don’t dash the hope and confidence reposed in you by the electorate who massively voted for you at the poll. I want you to discharge your statutory duties with dedication, honesty, passion and loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria”.
To prevent misappropriation of funds and other forms of corrupt tendencies, Oyebanji promised not to poke-nose into how the councils deploy their funds, but said he would emplace mechanisms to monitor compliance with financial regulations for the benefit of rural dwellers.
In his submission, the sponsor and lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. Ojuawo, revealed that the programme, done in partnership with a Non-governmental organisation: Grassroots Leadership Development Initiative, is to broaden the mental horizons of the councilors.
Ojuawo urged the councilors to display high sense of industry and sacrifices in their services to the state, warning that the consequences will be dire, if they disappoint their immediate communities.
