Don’t Walk Away After Election… Bishop Ajakaye Begs Candiates
By Joseph Treasure
About ten governorship candidates contesting the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State have promised to fulfill all promises made in their Manifestos if elected.
To attest to their words and allay all doubts, the candidates signed a Social Contract Agreement with representatives of the people at a programme organized by the Justice Development and Peace Initiative, JDPI, in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ and the Ekiti Council of Elders.
The pact signed by the candidates and also endorsed by representatives of the people including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, women and others would serve an evidence to hold the candidates accountable.
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party Bisi Kolawole was absent at the programme without any information despite persistent notice, a situation the People’s representatives described as an affront and disrespect for the people he intends to serve.
The various groups and Stakeholders at the programme said the action of Bisi Kolawole and few others who shunned the programme suggests that they have nothing to offer Ekiti people.
Candidates who signed pact with Ekiti People include but not limited to APC, Biodun Oyebanji, SDP, Chief Segun Oni, ADC Wole Oluyede, ADP Erelu Kemi Elebute-Halle, YPP Debo Ranti Ajayi and PRP Ben Agboola.
At the programme, all the candidates present, presented their manifestos and how they intend to achieve it.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, the most Reverend Felix Ajakaye pleaded with all candidates to go about the race with love rather than acrimony.
The most Reverend Ajakaye urged the candidates to be ready to support who so ever wins if truly they love Ekiti saying the style of walking away after elections should be stopped.
Also, the Chairman Council of Obas in Ekiti State Oba Gabriel Adejuwon urged who so ever wins the election to extend hands of fellowship to others so as to share ideas and move the state forward.
Earlier, the Director Justice Development and Peace Initiative Reverend Father, Emmanuel Akingbade said the manifesto of the emerged governor would be printed out on bill boards across the state to serve as reminder adding that a survey would also be carried out to score the governor and call his attention to areas that have not been well touched.