*inaugurates new LGAs/LCDAs caretaker Chairmen
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Friday hinted that elections into the 33 local governments and 35 local council development areas (LCDAs) in Oyo state would still hold.
The governor who dropped this hint while inaugurating the Caretaker chairmen for 55 local governments and local council development areas in the state held at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Ibadan specifically declared that the elections would be held as soon as the suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja on the planned council poll is resolve.
According to Governor Ajimobi, immediately the case was settled,the state government would announce the new date for the conduct of the local government election,saying,“the day the court case is settled is the day we will announce the date of election”.
The governor however cautioned the newly inaugurated local government caretaker committee Chairmen against regarding their appointment as an opportunity for them to line their pockets with public funds but maintain faithfulness with tenets of governance and adhere to rule of law as well as the principle of confidentiality.
“You are caretakers, holding forth for others and your tenure is temporary. So be rest assured that your good work will be your certificate of retention. If you fail to work well, we will remove you,” he said.
Governor Ajimobi also tasked them to perform exemplary so as to be worthy of being voted when it will be the time for the election saying, “the only advantage you have now as you have been sworn in is that you can quickly do things that will endear you to your people before election”.
Speaking further,he stressed that human satisfaction resides in public service and that those who have the opportunity to serve their people, especially those in dire need at the grassroots should do so wholeheartedly as they would be adding value to the system.
“There is a lot of satisfaction in public service, especially when you serve those in real need of it at the grassroots. A leader must not only visualise, he must also have courage to reject what is wrong.
Remember the oath of allegiance you just took which has to do with faithfulness. Your action must be according to the law, act without fear or favour and do everything in adherence to the principle of confidentiality’’
The Caretaker Chairman for Ibadan North-West Local Government,Chief Bosun Ajuwon while speaking on behalf of his colleagues assured that all the new local government Caretaker Chairmen in the state would deliver on the promises of the Ajimobi-led administration to ensure better life for the people at the grassroots.
It will be recalled that A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice John Tsoho in January this year ordered the Oyo State Independent Election Commission (OYSIEC) not to proceed with its plan to conduct the election earlier slated for February 11 following a motion ex-parte filed on behalf of 16 Baales from Oyo Federal Constituency by their lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, pursuant to the creation of 35 LCDAs in the state.
