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General News of Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Source: guardian.ng

Makinde tasks new local council chairmen on good governance

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, yesterday, charged the newly-elected 32 local council chairmen in the state to provide good governance at the grassroots.

Makinde gave the charge during the swearing-in of the council chairmen.
The 32 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates were elected at the weekend in the election boycotted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor, who assured the chairmen that nobody could remove them, said: “I want to congratulate all the elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 33 local councils in Oyo State less one and the remaining one will also be sworn in soon because we have been informed that the Ido Local Council election was rescheduled because ZLP was omitted on the ballot papers.

“Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate the good people of Oyo for this feat. I have not had a wonderful experience such as the one we just did. So, the good people of Oyo State are the real winners in this contest as you can rightly say that you have elected your representatives.
“The process was free, fair and in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As you may know, the constitution only allows for the election of officials into the 33 local councils of the state. Also, the constitution provides that all registered political parties, who field candidates can stand to be elected. As for those who did not field their candidates, it is their problem, not ours.

“So, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has conducted this election and has declared and given Certificate of Returns to all the 32 candidates here that are winners in their respective councils.”

He further said: “You have been vested with power now. The Chief Judge swore you in and I am also supporting you. So, there is nobody that can remove you again. Even, as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, I don’t have the power to remove you because it has now become a constitutional process to remove you. You will completely spend the three years you are entitled to.
“To the newly-elected and sworn in council chairmen and chairpersons, let me state that you have the opportunity to deliver good governance to the people of Oyo State. We cannot over-emphasise the importance of governance at the grassroots.

“The people of Oyo State must feel your presence by way of development and good governance. Just as they are holding me accountable, they will also hold you accountable.

“My advice to you is to replicate the good governance initiatives, which the people are experiencing at the state level and also at the grassroots level.”