Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to reach out to all citizens irrespective of their political and ideological leanings for the State to develop and its people to enjoy a better standard of living.
Oyebanji emphasized that he would not allow politics of bitterness to retard the growth of the state noting that there must be an end to politicking for governance and development to flourish.
The Governor made the remarks on Tuesday at the New Year Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the Obafemi Awolowo International Civic Centre, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
He appealed to members of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to lay all speculations as regards who contests for the position of Governor in 2026 to rest, noting that the task at hand is for the State to be put on a sound footing of development.
Oyebanji stressed that he would continue to reach out to prominent Ekiti citizens like Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Ekiti National Assembly caucus led by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and all former Governors of the state to ensure that the State gets the best at all times.
He said he could not understand what some members of APC complained about his regular visits to the leaders, whose counsels, support and contacts are crucial to the development of the state.
The Governor said he is guided by the advice of his immediate predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, that he should not inherit his (Fayemi’s) or anybodyโs enemies but extend hands of cooperation and fellowship to everybody to move the ship of the state to a glorious harbour.
Oyebanji also urged the people of the state to continue to pray for President Bola Tinubu expressing optimism that things will change for the better in Nigeria in 2024 as his economic policies translate into positive and tangible gains for the country.
While noting that things may be tough for now, Oyebanji pointed out that the people of Ekiti State and other Nigerians must continue to retain their trust in President Tinubu and should not lose hope in Nigeria being restored to economic prosperity.
The Governor appreciated labour leaders in Ekiti for their understanding and cooperation assuring that 2024 would be a better year for workers and that every sector in the State would be touched for the betterment of all.
Speaking on why he has been bringing everybody on board in the task of moving Ekiti forward, Oyebanji said the Ekiti project belongs to all since he cannot do it alone and would need the support of all and sundry for the State to reach its full potential.
Oyebanji particularly praised current members of the National Assembly from the state whom he said have been very supportive since he came to office advising APC faithful to de-emphasize possible governorship aspirants within and outside the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
He said: “We have put politics aside and let’s forget who becomes the Governor next and leave that one to God. We have to file behind our National Assembly members; the kind of position MOB (Bamidele) is today, Ekiti has never been there before and we will continue to work together for the progress of our State.
“Some of our party members are not happy that I am visiting our leaders. if I don’t visit them, who do I go to?
“Anybody that can help this government to do good for you and me, that person that will help us whether he is in Party A, Party B or Party C, let me look for them.
“Those who are not at our party today, they can be at our party tomorrow. There must be an end to politics when governance starts; that explains why you see me do all these because I am going to do more this new year. Ekiti indigenes are in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, I must look for them.”
The Governor also promised to assess his cabinet members in the next six months to evaluate their performance warning that those who fall short of expectations might leave the cabinet.
The inter-faith thanksgiving services prayed, sermons and song ministrations in Islamic and Christian ways.
In his sermon, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended Oyebanji for being connected with the people at the grassroots urging those holding government positions to do the same.
He also advised political leaders to always be available, accessible, accountable avoid distractions and always be connected to the people they lead because they hold the positions in trust for them.
The President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, described Oyebanji as an Omoluabi (a well-brought-up person) noting that it was God who installed him as Governor to do good for the people.
The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and other Assembly members; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro and other members of the cabinet; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders and civil servants.
