Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has assured the people of the state that elections into the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will be held as soon as the suit against it is settled.
Governor Ajimobi said this while inaugurating the Caretaker Chairmen for the LGAs and LCDAs in the state at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
An Abuja High Court presided over by Justice John Tsoho had in January 2017, ordered the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) not to proceed with its plan to conduct the elections earlier slated for February 11.
The order was sequel to a motion ex-parte filed on behalf of 16 Baales (traditional rulers) from Oyo Federal Constituency through their lawyer, Mr Ahmed Raji, pursuant to the creation of 35 LCDAs in the state.
The Governor, however, noted at the inauguration ceremony that the polls would hold as soon as the case is settled.
“The day the court case is settled is the day we will announce the date of election. 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 the elections.
“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 on Friday.
Ajimobi further advised the new council bosses not to see their appointment as an opportunity for them to enrich their pockets with public funds.
He reminded them of their pledged to be faithful with tenets of governance, as well as adhere to the rule of law and the principle of confidentiality.
“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 the 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,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of appointees, Mr Bosun Ajuwon of Ibadan North-West LGA expressed appreciation to the Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the trust reposed in them.
He promised that the new caretaker chairmen would deliver on the promises of the Ajimobi-led administration, to ensure a better life for the people at the grassroots.
