By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Thursday declared that the state is presently one of the safest states in Nigeria as his administration has succeeded in restoring peace and security which had eluded the state prior to his administration.
Governor Ajimobi said this at a meeting he held with traditional rulers in the state at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Ibadan,
He declared that his administration was able to restore peace and security to Oyo state through the establishment of a joint security outfit, codenamed ‘’Operation Burst.’’ as well as with the establishment of a Security Trust Fund through which necessary equipment were regularly procured for the security outfits.
“I am happy to announce to you that Oyo State has been described as one of the safest states in Nigeria. We will therefore not want anything that will disrupt the pervading peace which we have been enjoying all these years. This is why I am appealing to our royal fathers to help us talk to your subjects on the need to maintain peace, especially as elections into our local governments approach. We should realize that it is only in the atmosphere of peace that there can be development.’’ he said.
The governor maintained that the time has come for traditional rulers in Oyo state to enlighten their subjects on the need to eschew thuggery, brigandage and violence before, during and after the local government
Speaking further, the governor stated the meeting with the traditional rulers became necessary in view of the need for him to carry the royal fathers along about the programmes and policies of his administration, giving their position as the custodian of culture and tradition and the closest to the people.
” I have called this meeting to ensure that there is constant dialogue with you, our royal fathers and to intimate you with our developmental plans and goals. It is also to discuss our efforts so far at repositioning the state and to see what our state will be like in the next 25 years.”
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji while speaking said the ‘unprecedented’ achievements of tGovernor Ajimobi, qualify him for another term in office were it not for constitutional impediment that restricts governors to two terms in office.
Oba Adetunji emphasized that he decided to openly appreciate the governor for his unrelenting efforts to bring development to all the nooks and crannies of the state, saying, “Yoruba don’t appreciate themselves except to abuse and criticize but when someone has done well, we must say it.”.
“I am talking about what I have seen so far. In view of this, I would have loved him to go for another term if not that the constitution does not allow it. The governor has performed very well. He has recorded unprecedented achievements worthy of commendation. This is the only way to spur him into greater performance for the benefit of the whole state.” he said.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi while speaking expressed ‘surprise’ at the pace of road constructions and other ongoing projects across the state, notwithstanding the pervading economic downturn in the country.
Oba Adeyemi pointed out that
Governor Ajimobi should be commended for all he had achieved since the beginning of his administration in spite of the dwindling allocations from the Federation Account and paltry internally-generated revenue.
“We can only commend you for all you have been able to achieve in the last seven years. We are very impressed with your performance. At the appropriate time, we will comprehensively, sufficiently and adequately respond to your address. The only thing you are not telling us is where you have been getting the money to do all the projects. I have had to engage you in a private discussion on this recently to ask how you source the money you have been using to execute the projects since you are not printing money.” he said
Oba Adeyemi added “but, the governor has allayed my fears. He explained to me that most of the projects were contractor-financed and that the money would be paid back under very convenient terms. He has assured me that he would not plunge the state into huge debts.’’
Other traditional rulers who also spoke at the occasion included the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Rafiu Adekunle; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Popoola and the representative of Soun of Ogbomoso, the Aare Ago of Ogbomosoland, Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.appreciating the governor on the achievements so far recorded by the Ajimobi-led administration as well as his future plans for the state.
