Adegboyega Oyetola, the Governor of Osun State has urged the newly elected Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to be magnanimous in victory by extending hands of fellowship to their political opponents.
The Governor said this while inaugurating the elected Council Chairmen into all the 69 Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils and Area Offices in the State, at the Governor’s office, Abere, Osogbo on Monday.
The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) had on Saturday October 15, 2022 conducted the local government election across the State.
Oyetola said, who spoke with the Chairmen after taking their oaths of allegiance and office called on them to hit the ground running as they have no time to waste.
He said, “The journey to Saturday’s election since the tenure of the immediate past elected local government officials elapsed in 2021 was a long and worthwhile one for several reasons.
“First, the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on governance was a major setback in the pace of governance for several months. Second, considering the fact that there was a major governorship election with its attendant cost, the local government election could not have come earlier.
“Further, there was a long debate over transition from parliamentary system of government at the grassroots to presidential form of government and the need for the passage of relevant laws by the House of Assembly to support the agreed form of government before electing the next elected representatives.
The political uncertainties posed by the transition and the need to prevent the vacuum necessitated the institution of caretakers at the Local Government level. The Caretaker Committee was therefore, a child of necessity for getting the political equation right once and for all.”
He stated that there was a long debate over transition from parliamentary system of government at the grassroots to presidential form of government and the need for the passage of relevant laws by the House of Assembly to support the agreed form of government before electing the next elected representatives.
“Following the successful conclusion of the debate and the passage of the relevant bills into law, our Administration swung into action by conducting the local government election that produced the elected local chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors-elect”, he added.
However, he, appreciated the people for their understanding and love for democracy and good governance, which have not only produced a strong and sustainable platform but has also delivered a peaceful and credible election of elected representatives.
He admonished the newly elected the local government chairmen, the vice chairmen and councillors-elect to reciprocate the gestures of the people by fulfilling your promises to them.
He reminded them that “This is a duty to the people, our party, democracy and good governance that must be fulfilled, you have a huge responsibility to allow your achievements prove to the people that they have more to benefit from Presidential System at the Council level”.
“As the representatives of the people and the voice of the progressives Family at the grassroots level, you must reflect progressive ideals, promote and deliver the policy thrust of our Development Agenda premised on equity, fairness, selfless service, inclusive and good governance, transparency and accountability in all sectors and at all times.
“I charge you all to be magnanimous in victory by extending hands of fellowship to your political opponents. It is the best way to harness our resources and our shared values for our collective good.”
He urged them not to discriminate but to be fair, just and reasonable in all your dealings, decisions.
“Take a cue from our government’s penchant for prompt and proactive service delivery, which saw us flagging off the revitalisation and rehabilitation of over 300 Primary Healthcare Centres, one per ward, to provide primary healthcare delivery for our people within three months of coming into office and convoking the Osun Economic Summit within one year of coming into office to revolutionise the economy”.
Speaking on behalf of other Chairmen, Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Abiodun Idowu appreciated the Governor and the party leadership for the confidence reposed on them. He said the council officials will be loyal to the party and the people of the State.
