By Olufemi Alonge Alonso
Ekiti is among the three states in the South West Nigeria where governorship elections are not conducted when others are conducting theirs. The reason behind this was as a result of political imbroglio in 2007 gubernatorial election in the state which led to a rerun election in 2009 between Engr. Segun Adebayo Oni of the People’s Democratic Party and Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the Action Congress of Nigeria.
Since the Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin led by Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd) declared Fayemi as governor of Ekiti State,on October 15 and sworn-in on 16th October , 2010, the subsequent governors in the state were sworn into office on October 16.
The current governor of the state, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji ( BAO) took the leadership baton of the state by this time last year. Since assumption of office,the Ikogosi-born politician has been receiving accolades from different people across and outside the state over his stupendous performances.
The civil servants in Ekiti are applauding the governor over prompt payment of salaries and arrears.
The pensioners are like fervently praying to God for the success of Governor Oyebanji’s administration because of his magnanimity in shouldering their burden in terms of payment of pensions and gratuities. The last time, the pensioners had a governor like BAO was when Oni was in power.
The last three administrations in the state owed workers their entitlements. In 2014, when Governor Fayemi was leaving the coveted seat, his administration owed workers three months salaries and this was publicised by his successor, Chief Ayodele Fayose. The only adverse comment about Fayose during his second tenure was his inability to pay workers the arrears inherited from Fayemi’s administration.
Governor Oyebanji is loved by workers because he is taking care of their welfare.
The pleasant comments of teachers during the just concluded World Teachers’ Day cannot be undermined. The teachers made it known publicly that within a year, the Governor had employed about 1,500 teachers into Primary and 500 teachers into Secondary school.
Another area which Governor Oyebanji is being lauded is his interest in revamping agricultural sector in the state.
There has never been a time a governor in the fountain of knowledge had the type of rapport which Oyebanji has with the relevant stakeholders in the state. He relates well with all former governors in Ekiti across political divides. Just like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is running an inclusive government , Oyebanji is also giving appointments to members of opposition parties in the state. As it stands, Gov. Oyebanji has not given any chance for opposition voice to be heard.
The people of Ekiti East and Gbonyin Local Government who had been deprived of electricity for many years are beginning to see ray of hope with the present administration intervention.
Gov. Oyebanji has rehabilitated many roads in Ekiti since he assumed office but below are the roads that the governor should attend to as a matter of urgency:
- Iwaro to ABUAD
2: De head to Basiri
- Housing Afao
- Ayemi Garage
- Deeper life High School to BSES
- Ifaki/ Iworoko road
- Ilogbo – Ekiti /Ayegunle road
- Igede to Aramoko
- Igede to Awo
- Awo to Ido
- Erio to Itawure
- Ijero /Epe to Iropora
- Moferere road to Odo Ado
Until THESE road networks and other ameliorating infrastructure are put in place, no one will be ready to laud the present administration not to talk of praying for a consolidating term.
As commendations are pouring in cum condemnations as well as constructive criticisms are tripping in alongside the impatient heart for jobs not yet done, there is no sigh of relief in sight for the new Oyebanji’s administration.
Above all, the amiable Governor should make the EkitI people outside the cities of Ado and Ikere to feel the impact of his Administration and enjoy the Dividends of Democracy expected.