The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Makinde

  • Makinde assures of fulfilling campaign promises

    Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde has reassured the people of the state that he will not renege on his campaign promises, adding that he will govern the state with the fear of God.

    He called on the people to be peaceful and embrace peace, saying development can only thrive in the atmosphere of peace.

    Governor Makinde spoke through his Deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan at First Baptist Church, Anko, Eruwa during the  thanksgiving service held in honor of the Speaker, Oyo state House of Assembly, Mr Debo Ogundoyin on Sunday.

    The event was attended by the Governors Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, PDP state chairman, Chief Kunmi Mustapha, traditional rulers led by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, Oyo state Commissioner of Police Shina Olukolu, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII) led by the President General, Chief Yemi Soladoye.

    Others are President, Ibadan Baptist Conference, Dr Adeyemi Adekunle, Oyo deputy speaker, Mr Abiodun Fadeyi, members of the Ninth Assembly, former lawmakers and clerics among others.

    Addressing the people, Makinde said his administration will rule the state with the fear of God and ensure that the dividend of democracy gets to all the nooks and cranes of the state.

    Read Also: Oyo ALGON to Makinde: end arbitrary rule now

    He said “We have promised during the campaigns that we will rule with the fear of God and that is what we will do.

    ” We assure the people that we will deliver on all our promises. We want our people to live in peace so that we can have development. We should live in peace.

    “If we live in peace, the dividends democracy will go round. We are god-fearing and we will ensure that our people feels the impact of our government positively. But, our people must learn to live in peace with one another.”

    Speaking on the purpose of the thanksgiving, Speaker Ogundoyin said he deemed it for to thank God who made it all possible.

    “I can only give all glory to God on my victory and inauguration because he made it possible. Without him and the support of the Governor and my people, I won’t be here.

    “I lost my dad about 28years ago and since then, God has been faithful to me and my family and I know the enormity of responsibilities on my shoulders.”

    The guest preacher, Dr Adekunle in his message challenged politicians to always aspire to make the difference with the opportunity and trust given to them by God and the people.

    Speaking on the topic “Determine to be the Joseph of this generation”, the cleric urged politicians not to seek revenge but remain focus, faithful, available and teachable.

  • Challenges before Makinde

    As Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde settles down to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years, Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the challenges that will confront the administration and suggests the way forward.

    THERE has been a change of baton in Oyo State. A new sheriff is in town. Governor Seyi Makinde who contested the March 9. election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken over the reins of power in the Pace Setter State. Makinde is not new in the politics of Oyo State. He had failed three times in his bid to occupy the coveted seat in the state. In 2007, he contested for Oyo South senatorial seat on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), but lost; in 2011, he sought for the senatorial ticket on the platform of the PDP and lost; in 2015, he contested governorship election on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP), but failed. However, his consistency and doggedness have finally paid off.

    Makinde is the only PDP governor in the Southwest. No doubt, his victory calls for celebration, because he had steadily and firmly pursued a conviction which spanned several years of waiting, toiling and carpet-crossing. While it is not out of place to celebrate the hard-won victory, it is appropriate to say the merriment should be done with caution.

    Three weeks after his assumption of office, Makinde should settle down for serious business of governance in a complex state like Oyo State. A heavy burden has been placed on his shoulders. So, there is no room for complacency, as the entire people of Oyo State are looking up to his administration with great expectations, hopes and aspirations. Four years may be far, but he made some promises that are expected to be fulfilled within the first 100 days in office.

    A political analyst, Dr Foluso Ajetunmobi, said: “No matter the mistakes or sins committed by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi while in office, the truth is that he will be remembered as one of the best governors Oyo State ever had in terms of infrastructural development, peace and security. He did so much for Oyo State in terms of roads construction. Ibadan people will never forget him for upgrading the metropolis drastically.

    Read Also: We will rely on agric to turn around Oyo’s fortunes – Makinde

    “Without any iota of doubt, Ajimobi had raised the bar of good governance in Oyo State. The onus rests on Makinde to take Oyo to a greater height. Let Oyo, once again, be a pacesetter to other states in the Southwest and the entire country.”

    Ajetunmobi added: “Makinde has everything working for him, unlike in the past when the ruling party did not have two-thirds majority in the House of Assembly. This time around his party, the PDP, has a clear-cut majority with 26 out of 32 lawmakers in the House. This will translate into quick passage of budgets, bills and confirmation of appointments forwarded to the House by the Executive for confirmation.”

    There are so many challenges before the Makinde administration. For instance, the issue of security will serve as a litmus test for the new government. One of the major challenges that the Ajimobi-led administration tackled from its inception in 2011 was how to bring the state back to the path of sanity and ensure the security of lives and property. One of the controversial decisions taken by Makinde was the dissolution of the National Union of Road Transporters (NURTW) executive which has given room to speculations that the governor was planning to bring back the former executive led by Mr Lateef Akinsola, popularly known as Tokyo.

    Before the advent of the Ajimobi administration, there was total collapse of the security apparatus, culminating in total breakdown of law and order in the state. Then, Oyo State had become a state of bedlam, with stories of wanton bloodshed always in the news. Murder, brigandage, arson, rape, armed robbery, burglary, destruction of property and clashes of miscreants were the order of the day. Ibadan was a fiefdom under the firm control of some political merchants, with motor park touts, political jobbers and unsuspecting youths as willing tools to unleash terror on the residents and visitors to the city.

    To reverse the situation, Ajimobi launched a joint security outfit, codenamed ‘Operation Burst’ to tackle the inherited security challenges. He equipped the outfit with the state-of-the-art communication equipment, a fleet of patrol vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers to enhance its operational efficiency. To enhance the restoration of peace, the governor launched Oyo State Security Trust Fund in July 2012. This was how Oyo State has remained one of the peaceful states in the country under the Ajimobi administration.

    An Ibadan elder, Pa Ajiboye Olatubosun, faulted Makinde for the dissolution of NURTW. The octogenarian said Ibadan is likely to return to the era of insecurity, if the new governor reinstated Tokyo and his group as leaders of the union. He said: “The speculation is not out place, because the mayhem that the NURTW men perpetrated in Ibadan the day Makinde was inaugurated is fresh in our minds.

    “Besides, every public function that Makinde attends, Tokyo and his gang are there. I think for the sake of his integrity, Makinde should steer clear of NURTW politics in Oyo State. He should allow them to handle their affairs in compliance with the rule of law. We don’t pray that anarchy should return to Ibadan under Makinde. God forbid.”

    Security is sine qua non to good governance. Indeed, the primary responsibility of government is to ensure security of lives and property as enshrined in the constitution. It is hoped that the Makinde administration would not abandon or dismantle the security apparatus put in place by his predecessor. A relapse to pre-2011 era would be disastrous.

    Makinde did not win the election with PDP votes alone. He won with the support of four other political parties, namely the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). These parties formed alliance with the PDP and adopted Makinde their consensus governorship candidate. The details of the agreement were not made public. The leaders of the coalition are Chief Rasidi Ladoja (ZLP), Senator Femi Lanlehin (ADC), and Alhaji Kola Balogun (SDP).

    Unless there is an agreed sharing formula for spoils of office, the coalition will run into trouble. For instance, how many commissioners, special advisers and board chairmen and members would be appointed from each party? The rancour that would ensue will distract the governor from concentrating on the real business of governance. The ‘god fathers’ would like to influence the government policies in order to accommodate their interest. Even though Makinde said he has no godfather. Can he bluff those that sacrificed their ambitions for his victory at the poll?

    Another issue is the future of the coalition. Can it remain intact in 2023, when Makinde will be seeking for re-election? A veteran politician like Senator Lanlehin who wants to be governor may likely pull out to contest the 2023 poll to actualise his political ambition.

    The internally generated revenue (IGR) of Oyo State is low. From the paltry N600 million per month in 2011, Ajimobi has increased it to N1.8 billion. He had promised to further increase it to N5 billion before the end of his tenure. The low IGR has been attributed to tax evasion by residents of Oyo State and the drop in amount derived from Pay As You Earn (PAYE), owing to irregular payment of salaries. Makinde has to face the challenge of internal revenue generation. One of his aides has promised at a radio programme that the new administration will increase the state’s IGR to N1O billion per month within the first six months. His administration must resolve to tax all taxable entities in expanding the tax net and thereby increase the state’s IGR. This is became it is necessary, in view of the fact that the monthly federal revenue allocation from Abuja is hardly enough to pay salaries of workers, let alone the pensioners?

    The issue of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTEC), Ogbomoso, which has been adversely affected by under-funding caused by joint ownership of the institution by Oyo and Osun governments will be a litmus test for the Makinde administration. Some students have spent up to seven years in the university without graduating, owing to incessant strikes embarked upon by the lecturers to back up demand for unpaid salaries.

    Interestingly, Makinde addressed the LAUTEC students in their campus during the campaign. He promised to find solutions to the problems facing the university within his first 100 days in office. How he would achieve this has not been made public. Can he convince the Osun State government to cede the ownership of the university to Oyo State as a permanent solution, to save the institution from going under?

    Again, equal representation of the five zones in Oyo State in the political appointments will determine the commitment of the administration to fairness, equity and justice. It is very important to ensure that all zones are fairly treated in the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, boards’ chairmen and members. The essence is that all zones should be equally represented at the level of decision-making. The new administration must put an end to lopsided appointments, which have over the years been generating acrimony and fear of domination.

    The rancour that followed the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other related chieftaincy affairs in Ibadan land still persists. The review by the immediate past administration led to the elevation of some chiefs to the position of Oba. Ajimobi said the primary purpose of the review was to facilitate the development, modernisation and effectiveness of the traditional chieftaincy system in the ancient city in particular and across the state in general. But the Osi Olubadan, Chief Ladoja, who is eyeing the throne of Olubadan, said he was the prime target of the review. Ladoja said Ajimobi carried out the review in order to stop him from becoming Olubadan in future. Ladoja is one of the Makinde’s pillars of support.

    The exercise has been politicised. It has polarised Ibadan with some indigenes, including elites supporting Ajimobi’s move, while others were against the review. The Olubadan challenged the review exercise in court and won. The court declared it null and void. Oyo State government had appealed the judgment.

    The question is, will Makinde continue with the appeal or stop it? If the Appeal Court judgment goes against the coroneted Obas, will he pursue the matter to the Supreme Court? Will he protect the interest of Ladoja who is on the same page with Olubadan on the matter? Both played a major role in the emergence of Makinde as governor.

    A political observer, Mr Dapo Oladele, has advised Makinde to see himself as governor of the people of Oyo State, irrespective of party affiliations. He said Makinde as a young man should carve a niche for himself in the administration of the state. He should be pragmatic in tackling issues; he should not allow people to mislead him.

    He said: “Election is over, Makinde should face the business of governance, because at the end of four years, people will judge him by his performance. Where it is necessary, he should talk about the past government, but he should not engage in witch-hunting, because such move is not likely to erase the achievements of Ajimobi as governor.

     

     

  • I offered to waive my immunity to promote accountability – Makinde

    Mr. Seyi Makinde, an engineer, chaired the Makon Group of Companies until his election as the Governor of Oyo State on May 29, 2019. In this interview, with selected journalists, he speaks on the challenges he now faces as governor.

    LET’S start with the twin issues of probity and accountability.  During the induction programme the state held for members of the 9th Assembly of Oyo State, you made some commitments to probity and accountability, when will the promises come to fruition?

    The task before all of us now is to make Oyo State better and I look forward to us working together with the legislature. I want us to de-emphasise party affiliations. I want this 9th Assembly to be the best ever in the history of Oyo State. I know we can do it. The Assembly is blessed with a blend of experience, youthful energy and commitment. So, we won’t have any excuse not to deliver.

    On the side of the Executive, I give you the assurance that we will work together. The relationship will be cordial. I know that one thing members want to hear from me, which is also a major issue in the national space, is the issue of financial autonomy for the legislative arm of government at the state levels. You want financial autonomy. Well, we will work on it together and if it is possible for Oyo State, being the Pace-Setter, to set the pace in this regard, we will do it.

    I told the lawmakers that as soon as they settle in, I will almost immediately bring Executive Bills. We have four major areas that our government will focus on. We want to expand our economy and lift as many of our people as possible out of poverty. We want to use agriculture to expand the economy. It is not by just saying it; we have to see real action and most of our infrastructure will be made to target our economy. We need to work together on this.

    You have also spoken about the plan to establish the anti-corruption agency. What really are you driving at?

    I have told the State Assembly that the first Executive Bill we are bringing to it is for us to set up an Anti-Corruption Agency for Oyo State. And I will waive my immunity, if I am found not to be above board, to face that agency.

    So, why did you make the decision to ban the NURTW – this was one of your first functions as governor. It is a registered body under the law?

    As I have said, we are going to take the security of lives and property seriously. Few days after I was sworn in as governor, we proscribed the NURTW.  I told them that we were not interested in stopping them from running their union, because it is registered under the law. But we cannot allow few people to hold the state to ransom in the name of running a union. I am talking to the security agencies in the state; we know the flashpoints and we know exactly what needs to be done. Oyo State has the largest landmass among the Southwest states, four times larger than the size of Lagos State, though Lagos has the population. So, I said that security-wise, we would do what we deem best for Oyo State and we intend to make Oyo State one of the safest states in the country.  We are still studying the situation with keen interest.

    The four-point agenda you launched; how will that work?

    We are going to focus on four issues. Number one is the economy. We have to take the state away from waiting on federal allocation. That is a task that has to be done. How do we do it? We are going to have to expand the economy and we are going to leverage on the willingness of the private sector to invest in Oyo State. I just left an investment forum and the responses have been really great, because we have made commitments to run an open and transparent administration. It means that if people can bring their money into Oyo State, they can be sure of return on investments and they can be sure they have an administration that is pro-business because of my own business background.

    Number two, we are going to focus on education. We promised to lighten the burden of parents by scrapping the school fees that they currently pay. We are sure that by the next school year, that will kick in.

    Number three is health care. We want to really re-energise the system, if I may use that word. We are looking at the Health Management Board, looking at the inefficiencies in there and the inability to attract talents, because doctors, nurses and other health workers, going by the current system, will have to be on the civil service salary scale. Some of them are unwilling to come in and so we will be creative in tackling that.

    As I said in my inaugural speech, we are not building any new health centre. We all know that when the immediate past administration came on board, they promised to build primary health care centres in all the wards in Oyo State; 361 of such. But it didn’t happen. They built some primary health care centres but most of them were just mere buildings and we have to make them functional. I don’t care if the glory goes to the outgone administration as being the ones that built them. I know that government is like the saying, ‘soldier goes, soldier comes but the barracks remain.’ So, what is important to us is to make life meaningful for our people. If they already built the health centres, then we will equip them. These are the things we want to do in the health care sector and we will also need to tinker with the Oyo State Health Management Board.

    Your pronouncements on education have also been received with mixed blessing, especially the cancelation of the N3, 000 levy …

    Of course, we have also identified education as another area of focus. During my speech at the inauguration ceremony on May 29 at the Liberty Stadium, I said that the N3, 000 education levy has been scrapped and a lot of people have been condemning the action, saying I should have waited to occupy the governor’s seat and see the magnitude of the challenges before making that move. We did our calculations and we found out that with the enrolment of students, we only require N1.2 billion yearly to take care of whatever the N3, 000 levy was being charged for.   In any case, I have given the commitment that the state’s annual budget will be jerked up to 10 percent for the Education sector. That would help greatly in addressing some of these things.

    To improve the standard of education, we have quite a lot of programmes that we think will help the state in lifting the standard of education. One of them is that we need the commitment of both the parents and the teachers.

    I don’t believe in having six or seven mega schools; the outgone government talked about six or seven though it only built two model schools located on major roads, but the schools must not be mega in structure. They must be functional. You should put things in those little schools and that is what we have done in the past as private individuals and it produced results. I am a living example of how a functional public school system can turn out productive and successful individuals. I went to Bishop Philips Academy (in Ibadan) and some of my classmates are also doing very well to the glory of God. I believe that if teachers are motivated and rewarded; if you reward hard work, they will want to do more.

    In a recent interview you were quoted as saying you had planned to work pro-bono for the state government even before your swearing-in, was it that you were eager to take over?

    Yes, after my victory at the last elections, I became jobless because I had already resigned from my paid job. I was ready to do some jobs pro bono (for Oyo State) but the last administration insisted that they would be in power until the last hour of the last day, which was 11:59 of May 28. In that period, I actually visited a couple of countries, Botswana being one of them. They are big players in mining; they are the second largest producer of diamonds in the world.

    That ties to what you have in your policy document regarding mineral deposits in Oyo State. Now what plans do you have pursuant to lifting the sector in order to actualise the improved IGR drive?

    The point I was making goes together with the question of IGR. I think Botswana also has the largest deposit of coal in the world, so the country is very good as far as mining is concerned. A delegation from the Business community in Botswana actually came for my inauguration. So, we are talking to the mining countries out there. If you recall, in 2015, during our debate at the University of Ibadan, the issue of mining came up and I suggested that area as an area that the state can explore to boost employment in the state and also to expand our economy.

    Your victory at the March 9 election seems to have been against the run of play and you are the only PDP state in the Southwest, how did you make it?

    I think basically we have to appreciate the people of Oyo State because they were resolute in pushing forward their preference. Four years ago, it was a little bit different, because I ran on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). We moved into the SDP in December 2014 and the general election was to take place in February 2015, so we didn’t have enough time to reach out to the people at the grassroots level. We managed to let the people know the kind of programmes we intended to pursue if they give us the opportunity to serve the state. That message was out there; that if given the opportunity, we would do things differently and the message resonated with the people; they kept it in their hearts. Some of the people told me in 2015 to wait till 2019 and I was angry at that time. But we waited and here we are.

    Another major factor that made the 2019 experience different was the fact that, at the last minute, we had a coalition of political parties, with people like Baba [Rashidi] Ladoja, Senator [Olufemi] Lanlehin, Barrister Sarafadeen Alli, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde and a host of other leaders leading different parties, which all came in to team up with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that pushed the game beyond the reach of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • My concern is how to provide succour to Oyo people, says Makinde

    Oyo State governor-elect Seyi Makinde said yesterday that what is upper most in his mind at the moment is how to provide good governance and entrench a government that will provide needed succour to Oyo residents.

    According  to the governor-elect, the people of Oyo have suffered enough over the past four years and they needed a government that would make them happy .

    Makinde spoke at the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Ramadan Lecture held at the Watershed Event Centre, Ibadan yesterday.

    Emphasising that the essence of Ramadan is to entrench love among humanity and make the people move closer to God, the governor-elect noted that about two months ago, people were at each other’s throat because of politics, but now that electioneering has gone, what is paramount now in his mind is how to give people good governance.

    In his lecture, the Chief Imam of Offa, Kwara State, Sheik Salimon Muideen,  urged political leaders not to allow power to override their sense of judgment.

    He stressed the need for leaders to always watch their tongue at all times to avoid the wrath of God.

    The Islamic cleric said: “The Prophet Muhammad was on his way to see Allah, he saw a small stone, where emerged a huge cow.

    “The huge cow was struggling to reenter the small stone but couldn’t. An angel thereafter revealed to the Holy Prophet that the cow was a word, while the stone was the mouth.  When a word is out of the mouth, it cannot find its way back.

    “Those who believe they could say it all to Obas, chiefs, elites and to the messengers of God have had themselves to blame.”

    The Islamic scholar  emphasised the need for the governor-elect to have in mind all those who assisted him to rise to power.

    The Ramadan lecture, which was attended by scores of leaders of different political groups, had in attendance the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji as the royal father of the day and other eminent personalities.

    Among personalities at the occasion were the Oyo State gubernatorial candidate of the  Zenith Labour Party, Sarafadeen Ali, chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party, captains of industries and Ibadan Mogajis led by Chief Nureni Akanbi, as well as the Director of Media to Ali, Taiwo Ibrahim.

     

  • Oyo APC to Makinde: your electoral promises already haunting you

    THE Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the reaction of Governor-elect Seyi Makinde to the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage law as a signal that he is being haunted by his electoral promises, even before receiving the baton of governance.

    Makinde has faulted the fixing of the N30,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, saying the individual state should have been allowed to determine what they could afford.

    He said he planned to set up a committee to negotiate with labour unions as soon as he is sworn in despite ongoing labour’s negotiation with the outgoing APC government.

    But, the Oyo APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, said it was too early for Makinde to renege on his electoral promises.

    He admonished the governor-elect to focus on the art of governance and work towards fulfilling his electoral promises.

    The party was reacting to the statement credited to the governor-elect’s spokesman, Prince  Dotun Oyelade, who warned the APC against twisting Makinde’s interview in Abuja on the N30,000 minimum wage.

    The APC said the governor-elect and his handlers were just trying to stave off criticism on his unpreparedness to govern the state.

    The statement reads in part: “Makinde said during his electoral campaign that Oyo workers deserved more than N30,000 as minimum wage. Now, he was quoted by the media in Abuja that he can’t pay the N30,000 minimum wage. We (APC) decided not to comment on Makinde’s electoral promise U-turn because we want the electorate and the people of Oyo State to judge him while the party would not hesitate to provide the necessary constructive criticisms when the need arises.”

    The party advised Makinde and Oyelade to be ready to face governance from May 29 instead of acting like the opposition continually.

    The statement added: “The people of Oyo State deserve the best and we hope Makinde’s PDP will try not to disappoint, which is doubtful. It is too early for Makinde to be reprimanding others for his mistakes. APC was not the media that reported what Makinde said in Abuja. We expected Makinde to rather clear the air on his statement instead of blame shifting. We wish him the best in his endeavours, but with a caution that it is too early to renege on his electoral promises.

    “We want to urge him to tread softly on the issue of Hajj operations. He should by now know that pilgrimage is structured with timing for all, participating pilgrims throughout the world. It is not just about Oyo State pilgrims. We appeal to him to stop displaying his naivety about governance and remind him that not everything, especially pilgrimage is politicized.”

     

  • Minimum wage: Makinde kicks as Ajimobi negotiates with labour

    THE Oyo State government will today open discussions with labour leaders on the modalities for the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage, it was learnt yesterday.

    It is coming on the heels of Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s promise to workers that they would enjoy the new pay as soon as the Federal Government approves it.

    The minimum wage was signed into law by President Muhammad Buhari on April 18.

    The government sent notice of the meeting to the labour leaders following the conduct of their congress, which produced Comrade Titiola Sodo as state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

    The message was signed by the Information Commissioner, Mr. Toye Arulogun.

    But, the Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, cautioned Ajimobi’s administration against the negotiation.

    Makinde, in a statement by his spokesperson, Prince Dotun Oyelade, “queried the intention and sincerity of the outgoing government to open negotiation with the labour unions about 30 days to the exit of the Ajimobi.

    The governor-elect said there “is nothing the lame duck government wants to achieve other than to complicate things for the incoming government in exactly the same manner it is doing in awarding fresh contracts and rolling out largesse to fellow politicians and friends”.

    Emphasising that he looks forward to a progressive relationship with the new Sodo-led NLC excos, Makinde warns against what he described as “any booby traps in the planned negotiation by the outgoing government”.

    The governor-elect noted that he was satisfied with the level of the rapport he had with the NLC during and after the election and hope that this would be maintained as the new NLC executive assumes the mantle of leadership.

    He reiterated his commitment towards ensuring that nothing short of the interest of workers would be acceptable to his administration.

    Makinde applauded the rancour-free consensus that heralded the new chairman as a good sign that democratic maturity has always been a virtue of the NLC, saying he believes that the new NLC leadership is circumspect enough to understand the ongoing theatrics.

  • Will Makinde make a difference in Oyo?

    On May 29, there will be a change of guard at the Oyo State Government House, Ibadan, as Mr. Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take over the reins of power from Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the challenges that the new administration is likely to encounter.

    AS someone who has been aspiring to govern Oyo State for some time, Mr. Seyi Makinde is not unaware of the challenges associated with governance. The governor-elect, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contested for governor as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2015.

    He acknowledged the challenges in his acceptance speech, after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate. He described his victory at the primary as bitter-sweet, because he was aware of the work ahead, if he eventually wins the contest. At the same time, he said he was capable of solving the problems that daily confront the people of Oyo State, “particularly the vulnerable citizens whose numbers have continued to increase in frightening proportions in the past seven and a half years”.

    His election has elicited hopes and expectations among the people. There are many challenges before the incoming government. How the governor-elect will tackle them on assumption of office would determine the success or failure of his administration. In two years, people would start comparing his government with that of his predecessor.

    Security will serve as litmus test for the incoming administration. One of the major challenges that Governor Abiola Ajimobi faced at inception in 2011 was how to bring the state back to the path of sanity and ensure the security of lives and property. Before the advent of the administration, there was total collapse of the security apparatus, culminating in total breakdown of law and order.

    Then, Oyo State had become a state of bedlam, with stories of wanton bloodshed always in the news. Murder, brigandage, arson, rape, armed robbery, burglary, destruction of property and clashes of miscreants were the order of the day. Ibadan was a fiefdom under the firm control of some political merchants, with motor park touts, political jobbers and unsuspecting youths as willing tools to unleash terror on the residents and visitors of the city.

    To reverse the situation, Ajimobi launched a joint security outfit codenamed ‘Operation Burst’ to tackle the inherited security challenges. He equipped the outfit with the state-of-the-art communication equipment, a fleet of patrol vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to enhance its operational efficiency. To enhance the restoration of peace, the governor launched Oyo State Security Trust Fund in July 2012. This was how Oyo State has remained one of the peaceful states in the country till today.

    Security is sine qua non to good governance. Indeed, the primary responsibility of government is to ensure security of lives and property as enshrined in the constitution. It is hoped that the Makinde administration would not abandon or dismantle the security apparatus put in place by his predecessor. A relapse to pre-2011 era would be disastrous.

    Makinde won the governorship election with the support of four other political parties, namely the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The three parties adopted Makinde as their consensus candidate for the governorship election. The details of the agreement were not made public. The leaders of the coalition were Chief Rasidi Ladoja of the ZLP, Senator Femi Lanlehin of the ADC and Alhaji Kola Balogun of the SDP.

    Unless there is a sharing formula for spoils of office, the coalition will run into trouble. For instance, how many commissioners, special advisers and board chairmen and members would be appointed from each party? The rancour that would ensue may distract the governor from concentrating on the business of governance. The ‘god fathers’ would like to influence government policies to accommodate their interests. Even though Makinde said he has no god father, can he bluff those that sacrificed their ambitions his victory at the poll?

    Another issue is the future of the coalition. Can it remain intact in 2023 when Makinde will be seeking re-election? A veteran politician like Senator Lanlehin, who is so desperate to be governor, may likely pull out and contest in 2023 to actualise his political ambition.

    The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State is low. From the paltry N600 million per month in 2011, Ajimobi has increased it to N1.8 billion. He promised to further increase the IGR to N5 billion before the end of his tenure. The low IGR has been attributed to tax evasion by residents of Oyo State and a drop in amount derived from Pay As You Earn (PAYE), owing to irregular payment of salaries. Makinde has to face the challenge of internal revenue generation. His administration must resolve to tax all taxable entities in expanding the tax net and thereby increase the state’s IGR. This has become necessary, in view of the fact that the monthly federal revenue allocation from Abuja is hardly enough to pay salaries of workers let alone the pensioners.

    Also of great importance to the people of Oyo State is the issue of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTEC), Ogbomoso which has been adversely affected by under-funding caused by joint ownership of Oyo and Osun governments. Some students have spent up to seven years in the university without graduating owing to incessant strikes embarked upon by the lecturers to back up demand for unpaid salaries. Interestingly, Makinde addressed the LAUTEC students in their campus during the campaign. He promised to find solution to the problems facing the university within his first 100 days in office. How the incoming governor would achieve this remains to be seen. Can he convince Osun State government to cede the ownership of the university to Oyo State as a permanent solution to save the institution from going under?

    Also, equal representation of the five zones in the state in the political appointment will determine the commitment of Makinde to fairness, equity and justice. It is very important to ensure that all zones are fairly treated in the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, boards’ chairmen and members. The essence is that all zones should be equally represented at the level of decision-making. The new administration must put an end to lopsided appointments, which have over the years been generating acrimony and fear of domination.

    The rancour generated by the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other related chieftaincies in Ibadan land by the outgoing administration will be a difficult nut for Makinde to crack. The review led to the elevation of some chiefs to the position of Oba. Ajimobi said the primary purpose of the review was to facilitate the development, modernisation and effectiveness of the traditional chieftaincy system in the ancient city in particular and across the state in general. But, the Osi Olubadan, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who is eyeing the throne of Olubadan, said he was the prime target of the review. He said Governor Ajimobi carried out the review in order to stop him from becoming Olubadan in future.

    The exercise has been polarised, with some Ibadan indigenes, particularly the elite, supporting Ajimobi’s move, while others were against the review. The Olubadan challenged the review in court and won. The court declared it null and void. Meanwhile, the Oyo State government has appealed the judgment.

    The question is: will Makinde continue with the appeal or stop it on assumption of power on May 29, 2019? Will he protect the interest of Ladoja who is on the same page with Olubadan on the matter? Both played a major role in Makinde’s emergence as governor.

    The governor-elect is aware of the intrigues and problems associated with governance in the Pacesetter State and has given a hint of how he would tackle them when he gets to office. He said: “The primary rationale for my decision to come on board is to provide solutions to public policy problems that have needlessly bedevilled the state. As a result, we have resolved to intervene in five strategic areas of agriculture, education, health, infrastructure and security in order to make meaningful impact in the lives of Oyo State citizens within the shortest possible period. This is because governance, especially in our own society where there is little or no social security, must have a human face.

    “Oyo State resources have been badly managed in the past seven and a half years. With an average of N1.8 billion from IGR every month and a record debt of over N130 billion, it is not asking for too much for government to have eliminated the preponderance of the debt owed particularly to the vulnerable citizens. This has necessitated the need to formulate strategies to improve the revenue base of Oyo State using innovative approaches that will not affect the welfare of the citizenry or discourage investors.

    “I believe that functional and qualitative education is needed to achieve Oyo State’s strategic visions and development priorities. However, given the dismal performance of Oyo State in national examinations, there is need for a renewed commitment to education.”

    On health, he said: “We will ensure that adequate funding goes to the health sector under a well coordinated, efficient policy that also prevents neo-natal, post neo-natal and child mortality. In addition, government must stop the exodus of health professionals and deploy necessary and effective healthcare interventions to the rural communities. With the poor budgetary allocation to the health sector, this current administration has shown its distaste for factors that can bring about better health conditions to the poor citizens while more attention is given to contracts based infrastructural projects.”

    On infrastructure, he said the level of decadence of physical infrastructure in Oyo State is quite appalling. His words: “The present government has largely concentrated in the urban areas, with poor connectivity to the rural areas. Our intervention in infrastructure in the state will be based on utilising development of infrastructure to stimulate economic activities. Access to good paved asphalt road links, adequate water supply and connectivity to power supply including rural electrification will be vigorously pursued. We will also ensure the sustainability and maintenance of  our infrastructure investments”.

    Makinde also assured: “Our administration is ready to work closely with communities and all stakeholders to develop very effective and efficient strategies that will ensure the security and safety of communities in the state. We will intervene in the area of security with the creation of effective and efficient crime prevention units, adequate equipment support to the law enforcement agencies as well as the encouragement of active and equal law enforcement community partnership and a problem solving approach which is responsive to the needs and expectations of the community.”

    For agriculture, the incoming administration promised an integrated solution based framework that will focus on assisting farmers through low interest credit intervention, technical support to enhance the expertise to produce subsidised warehousing, rural infrastructure, farm access roads in the rural areas agricultural research, adequate irrigation and regulated marketing outlets.

    To solve the problem of youth unemployment in the state, Makinde promised to explore agro-processing with heavy financial backing and expertise in place as against what he called the current haphazard and tentative half hearted policies of the current administration. He said: “The way to go to have a competitive and robust agro-processing industry in Oyo State should be the creation of processing clusters across the three senatorial zones with infrastructural support, input supply and productivity enhancement and financing.”

     

  • Photos: Makinde receives Certificate of Return in Oyo

    The governor-elect of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde has received the certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    He was given the Certificate of Return on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

    Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,Barr.Mutiu Agboke;Wife of Deputy Governor Elect,Mrs.Bola Olaniyan her Husband Engr.Rauf Olaniyan;National Commissioner Prince Adedeji Soyebi;OyoState Governor Elect,Engr.Seyi Makinde and his Wfe Omini during the Presentation of Certificates of Return held at Premier hotel Ibadan
    Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,Barr.Mutiu Agboke;Wife of Deputy Governor Elect,Mrs.Bola Olaniyan her Husband Engr.Rauf Olaniyan;National Commissioner Prince Adedeji Soyebi;OyoState Governor Elect,Engr.Seyi Makinde and his Wfe Omini during the Presentation of Certificates of Return held at Premier hotel Ibadan
    Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner,Barr.Mutiu Agboke;National Commissioner Prince Adedeji Soyebi;OyoState Governor Elect,Engr.Seyi Makinde and his Wfe Omini during the Presentation of Certificates of Return held at Premier hotel Ibadan

     

  • Traditionalist to Makinde: see us as bonafide citizens

    Traditional religion adherents under the aegis of Traditional Religion Worshipers’ Association of Oyo State (TRWASSO) have enjoined Governor-elect Seyi Makinde to refrain from religious bigotry and see them as bonafide citizens.

    They spoke when they paid a congratulatory visit to Makinde at his Ikolaba, Ibadan residence at the weekend.

    Their congratulatory letter was signed by Surveyor Dasola Adefabi (President), Chief Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode (Secretary), Baale Omikunmi Egbelade, Aare Isese Yoruba Foundation (Patron) and Oluwo Fasoji Fasola (President, Oyinbo Ifa Foundation). It urged Makinde to recognise them in all public programmes.

    The group cautioned Makinde against discriminating against traditionalists, saying Governor Abiola Ajimobi refused to consent to the motion for traditional holidays though the House of Assembly passed the bill in February 2017.

    Their letter reads: “On behalf of all the practitioners of traditional religion in Oyo State, we congratulate you on your victory. It is obvious that your victory was a divine one because your political party neither bought votes nor forced people to vote.

    “Sir, we implore you to always remember that Olodumare (God) put you in this position as a test. We pray that you will never fail in executing assignments. Oyo state will witness peace and development during your reign.

    “We believe that we will not suffer discrimination under your leadership as we have suffered under the outgoing government. We implore you to refrain from religious bigotry; see us as bonafide citizens of Oyo State. You should always welcome us as we will always present our plights before you one after the other.

    “Among our requests which we have always presented to the governments are -public holidays for Isese festival (August 20); Ela festival (May 15); Oke Itase pilgrimage (the Friday preceding the first Saturday in June).

    “We also need traditional religion pilgrimage. Traditional religion studies should be introduced as a subject in all levels of education so that our children will not be tactically indoctrinated or frustrated and forced to renounce their belief and convert to either Islam or Christianity.

    “There should be due recognition for us in all public programs organised by the government as government recognise Muslims and Christians…”

  • I ’ll bring simplicity to governance, says Makinde

    Oyo State Governor-elect Seyi Makinde has assured the people of the state that he will bring simplicity to governance.

    Makinde also pledged to do everything within his power to prevent violence from commercial drivers, when he eventually takes the reins of power on May 29.

    The governor-elect, who won on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gave the assurance on Southwest Political Circuit, a live interview programme on Ibadan-based Fresh FM radio.

    The governor-elect said the most important value that would mark out his administration is simplicity, adding that he would use everything he has to make the state better.

    “I will keep the business of governance very simple; without any complication. We will communicate and communicate with the people. We will lead with the fear of God. I want to be remembered for simplifying the business of governance. We will work very hard for the people of Oyo State and they will be the judge. We will use everything we have to make Oyo State better,” he assured.

    Makinde also promised to protect the sanctity of any contract signed by the outgoing administration to protect investors and assure them that their investments are safe in Oyo State.

    He added that he would be transparent in all dealings, stressing that he would not witch-hunt anyone, group or organisation.

    On how he intends to further build the state’s economy, Makinde promised to look into how to improve electricity supply, build a vibrant and skilled workforce as well as sustain the peace and security across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    He assured that he would not politicise decisions.

    But, the, Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Makinde to stop chasing shadows and prepare for the art of governance, which will start on May 29, 2019 after the completion of second term in office of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The party said it expected Makinde to be brainstorming and focus on how to further raise the bar of governance and deliver on his electoral promises instead of raising unfounded, malicious and mischievous allegations of emptying the Oyo State treasury by his spokesperson.

    The party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde explained that the mandate of Governor Ajimobi will not lapse until 12 midnight on May 28, 2019 and he is expected to perform his responsibilities as the governor accordingly.

    He stressed that Makinde should wait for his turn to govern the state at which time, he is at liberty to scrutinise the finances of the state.

    Olatunde said the party would have ignored the rantings of Makinde’s spokesperson but for the sake of the general public who will be misled with the inflammatory and alarmist remarks.

    He added that opposition should be based on facts and issues and not mudslinging and character assassination for which the spokesperson of the governor-elect has a track record.