Ekiti: Shun rivalry, divisive politics, Oyebanji warns elected LG officials

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on Monday warned newly elected local government councillors against perceiving their chairmen as rivals.

He said such rivalry could dim the chances of effecting positive changes and development at the grassroots.

To avert internal squabbles that could stoke intra-party crisis and derail governance, Oyebanji urged the elected officials to work harmoniously with the executive to effectively implement the policies of government geared towards cascading development to the council areas.

Oyebanji said these in Ikere Ekiti while flagging off a one-day capacity training organised by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adeniyi Ojuawo, for the newly elected councilors in Ise/Orun, Ikere and Ekiti Southwest Local Government Areas of the state .

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, congratulated the councilors on their victories in the recent local government election, appealing that they should discharge their legislative duties with utmost honesty, passion, dedication, loyalty and diligence.

Oyebanji advised that they perceive the opportunity as a veritable window to make tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the electorate, and not an avenue for corrupt enrichment and engagement in divisive politics.

“In displaying this loyalty, you must shun any act that could ignite crisis in your councils. Don’t perceive your chairmen as rivals. Rather, cooperate with them in the discharge of your legislative and other oversight functions to help the governor cascade development down to the grassroots to liberate our people from poverty, neglect and exclusion,” he said.