* says Oyebanji govt reference point in continuity
By John Odunjo
The immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is doing all he (Fayemi) had expected of his successor in office.
Fayemi hailed Oyebanji for his performance in office in the last 10 months, expressing joy that the Oyebanji administration had become a reference point for continuity.
The former governor spoke on Friday in his remarks at the ongoing three-day retreat for members of Ekiti State Executive Council and accounting officers in Ado Ekiti.
Fayemi said, “When I was asked by an interviewer to describe the quality of my would-be successor, I remember saying that I would want a successor that can perform excellently well, relate well with the people, sociable and one that possesses street credibility.
“I am happy to say that Governor Oyebanji is doing all of that. He is doing a great job, the evidence is all over the place. He is also out there relating well with the people regardless of their political leaning. He has been able to broaden the base and bring more admiration for government.
“Governor Oyebanji has almost turned the state into a one party state – the Ekiti Party. The issue here is we should not become internal enemy to ourselves,” Fayemi said.
The former governor, who advised the new commissioners and special advisers, “Don’t become poison in the system,” urged them to steer clear of actions capable of making them become cog in the wheel of progress.
Fayemi urged them to rather focus on excellent service delivery in order to bring additional value to the administration of Governor Oyebanji, who he said was already doing well and making giant strides in the areas of development and inclusivity.
While expressing gladness that Oyebanji administration had become a reference point for continuity in governance, he said that the main task before the new commissioners should be how to add value to the administration.
Fayemi said, “You should count yourselves privileged to be appointed Exco members. Focus on service. And service is all about sacrifice, not self-seeking”, the former governor said.
He urged the new appointees to familiarize themselves with the state’s 30 years master plan and the six pillar development agenda of the Oyebanji administration and translate them into action in their respective MDAs, adding that that is one of the ways to add value to the administration.
The former governor advised the Exco members to accord respect to the established leaders and elders of the party and channel their energy on their primary assignment in government.
Oyebanji thanked former Governor Fayemi for making out time for the retreat despite the short notice.
