- Anglican bishops visit, commend Govt
Oyo
State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, declared on Thursday that his
administration was determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the
people of the state.
He
also maintained that his government would continue to respect the rights of all
citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.
Governor
Makinde, who was speaking during a courtesy visit by Bishops of the Anglican
Dioceses in Oyo State, said that his administration remained committed to
providing good governance.
A
statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo
Adisa, quoted the Governor as stating that his administration remained
committed to providing good governance and services that will be beneficial to
residents across all religious lines.
He
said: “This visit to congratulate this administration is actually not coming
late because, about seven weeks ago, we were still talking about the Supreme
Court judgment. When that judgment of Oyo State was delivered, another judgment
was delivered which took away the mandate in Imo State. Having gone through the
lion’s den, it is not late to congratulate us and I am appreciative of the
visit.
“I
also want to use the opportunity to thank you, spiritual leaders, because I got
maximum support from you during the electioneering campaign and on the election
itself. Of course, the support that we got cuts across the religious line.
“We have switched to the governance world
because we are through with the electioneering. Now, we are set to deliver to
the people of Oyo State, irrespective of their religious leanings.
“I am
actually surprised when Bishop said we are doing very well but I know the
Bishop’s Court in Ibadan and I know that going there right now, it’s very
dusty. From around Islamic where they stopped the dualization going towards
Akobo-Oju-Irin side, I know people living in that area and I have got feedback
on what they are currently experiencing. So, I will just use this opportunity
to let them know that we are feeling their pains right now. Of course, the
contractor that was given that job happens to be one of the non-performing
contractors in this state.
“The process is on to determine that
contract and put people that are serious on the project. Also, for the rest of
the state, we are looking at connectivity; how we can get our infrastructure to
target our economy but you are also all aware of this local government issue
going on. Apart from spiritual counselling, we also need prayers. We need you
to remember us as individuals and also the state. Every time you are on the
altar, remember us and pray for the state.
“I want to say that one of the major
tasks for us is to tackle poverty and take the state from poverty to
prosperity. Sometimes, people look at their individual interests and they say
they worked and want to get their own benefits. Yes, positions may not go
round; but if we fix that road from Moniya to Iseyin, and if that road is able
to lead to more economic activities around that axis, anyone who is not lazy
will derive some benefits from what we have done.
“Also, in the area of security, if we
can secure an entire neighbourhood, then it will not matter whether people
living in there are Christians or Muslims or traditional worshippers. We would
have been able to provide security for everybody. We want to deliver on the
mandate that we have right now.
“Please, support us and keep pointing out
to us areas where we are falling short. We will pay attention and try to make
amendments where possible. And where we cannot amend, we will provide
explanation and justifications why we have taken the position that we have
taken.”
The
Anglican bishops, led by the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical
Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, with others including the Bishop of
the Diocese of Ibadan, Most Reverend J.O. Akinfenwa; Bishop of Oke Ogun
Diocese, Rt Revd Cornelius O. Adagbada and the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi
Crowther University, Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, among others, stated that
their visit was to congratulate Governor Makinde on his victory at the poll and
at the Supreme Court and to also pledge their spiritual and prayerful support
to the Governor.
Speaking
on behalf of the delegation, Most Revd. Okubadejo said: “So far so good, we are
encouraged by your leadership style. You have been demonstrating in word and in
action that you are a servant leader; the one who has truly come to serve his
people. We are happy with this. We have also observed that your policies in
management strategies, which are people-oriented are seen loud. In the
education sector, we know what is going on. In the health sector, you have
performed well. The welfare of the workforce, which is the prompt payment of
salary, payment of backlogs of pensioners’ entitlements; security of lives and
property; equipping the Police Force and the emerging Amotekun
outfit. We are happy with other things happening in Oyo State.
“So,
all the Bishops in Oyo State are saying Seyi is working and Oyo State is on the
move. Your Excellency, please be free at all times to seek spiritual counsel
and guidance on any of these matters and concerning religious harmony in the
state. We will be glad to offer our counsel and guidance.
“On
this note, we want to thank you very much for all we have seen so far. People
are asking if this administration will be able to sustain what it has started.
Before, they were asking if they can do it. Now that you are doing it,
they are asking if you can sustain it. But we believe that God will back you up
and empower you to sustain it.”