Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s statesmanship disposition toward governance, urging him to continue with his leadership style.
The President also promised to stand by them to make a greater positive impact in the lives of the people of Ekiti State.
President Tinubu gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti on Sunday during a thanksgiving service commemorating Oyebanji’s second anniversary, held at the Cathedral Church, Anglican Communion, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Most thrilling to the congregation was the presence of former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi at the church service, while both Christian and Muslim clerics offered prayers for the governor and the Government of the state.
The President, who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said he was pleased with the giant strides being made by Oyebanji to develop the State, in addition to his leadership style, which, according to him, has attracted more citizens of the state to participate in the governance process.
“I don’t want to stand here and tell the Governor that the President loves him; you know he loves you, and you know he is supporting you. I have taken time to tell some people who were raising the issue of misplaced priority against the new flyover you are constructing that it shouldn’t be a thing of worry. I told them you are enjoying special presidential intervention.
“I have assured them that you will go out of your way to create opportunities for Ekiti in every other sector by working round the clock. We don’t need any clairvoyance to tell us that our governor has performed well. He has served well and he deserves our support to make him succeed”, he said.
Bamidele, who is also the chairman of the Ekiti Caucus of the National Assembly, stated that Ekiti will be the first state where all APC members and movers and shakers of politics will pick a consensus candidate as governor, assuring that the lawmakers are ready to form a workable partnership with Oyebanji for Ekiti to develop.
“You are a statesman, pls remain as a statesman. Stay focused and allow politicians to play their games. Don’t be distracted. Be ready to double up and deliver for Ekiti masses”, Bamidele added.
In his short address, Governor Oyebanji sang some songs of praise to appreciate God for his mercy and provision for the state under his watch. He also thanked all the former governors, national and state assembly members and every other critical stakeholder for the success recorded so far. He specifically thanked President Tinubu for his support for his administration.
Speaking on behalf of the former Governors, Dr Fayemi appreciated God for the government of peace being enjoyed in the state under Oyebanji, adding that this has made the state peaceful and developing.
Fayemi, supported by former governor Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose said Oyebanji is presently preoccupied with governance and was not subsumed by ambition, assuring that his endorsement for a second term, as being done by various groups has their blessings.
Speaking further, Fayemi said: “We thank God that Oyebanji is now a pride to us. We thank God we didn’t install someone who would bring shame to us. Without peace, there can be no development, and without development, there won’t be peace.
“There is no point repeating the obvious, all the former governors all shared the same view. We thank God for the harmony our governor has promoted. I pray that God almighty will continue to guide him to deliver because Ekiti people will ultimately be the beneficiaries of the harmony that we enjoy in the state.
“I love the way the governor went out of his way to regularly seek advice from those of us who had occupied the office before him. He did this in a way that none of us is excluded from governance. I pray he grows further in this wisdom”, Fayemi said.
In his homily, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev Andrew Ajayi, commended the governor for being compassionate and aggressive in his poise to develop the state by extending roads, electricity and other public utilities to many communities.
The Bishop urged the governor to follow the paths of equity and justice, saying he should make good use of his privileged position for his post-governorship era to be memorable, peaceful and rewarding.
“As a leader, do what is right. Your right is to create an environment where people can excel. Think of how many people you have made. That is your joy after this office. Leaders don’t rely on their power to succeed but on God, who gives and takes power. With this spirit in you, you will excel. You need to appreciate God for making you a good ambassador”.
Similarly, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, described the governor as a bridge builder, saying this was responsible for his large and cult-like supporters across Ekiti and party lines.
Other dignitaries at the event include Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Speaker, Ekiti Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; and Members of House of Representatives including Hon Sola Fatoba; Hon Kolawole Akinlayo, Hon Akintunde Oyebode; the Chairman, Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, commissioners, Special Advisers, politicians, traditional rulers, drivers, traders, Okada Riders, among others, among others
The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Ilori Faboro led traditional rulers to the event, which also had in attendance former members of the national assembly and state assembly.
