…Says Ex-Gov Fayemi Didn’t Impose Any Candidate On Him
The governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday presided over the swearing-in of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, charging to them to develop new socio-political skills and emotional intelligence to cope with the pressure associated with their respective offices.
Oyebanji who said that the two officials were appointed based on their rich credentials and experiences, restated his promise to get very competent Ekiti indigenes wherever they are to man strategic positions in his administration.
Debunking insinuations in some quarters that he was under pressure by the immediate past governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and the former Deputy Governor, to appoint their cronies into his cabinet; Oyebanji reiterated his promised to the people of the state that members of his cabinet would be the best set of individuals that would assist him in managing the affairs of Ekiti in a manner that would bring about the fulfilment of his electoral promises to the people of the state.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Yinka Oyebode quoted Governor Oyebanji as saying, “While I recognise the right of people to freedom of expression, I also have the right to respond to the fake news being circulated on social media. Having listened to the recitation of the CVs of the two appointees, you will discover that they got this job clearly on merit. My promise to Ekiti people is that I am going to look for the best anywhere to help me run Ekiti and that is what we are going to do.
“We are not going to be distracted, as long as we are doing what is right in the interest of our people. But, I need to put it on record that neither the former governor, his wife, nor the former deputy governor has put any pressure on me to appoint anybody. But if I have to go back to his former cabinet and appoint relevant people that can assist me, I will go and pick them.”
The governor expressed confidence in the professionalism and competence of Dr Adubiaro to serve in the capacity of the SSG as he also stated that her appointment was in consonance with his administration’s commitment to gender balance, affirmative action and equity.
Oyebanji further charged the duo to develop a robust policy engagement platform, where policy stakeholders can learn, interact, engage, review and evaluate government plans and programme from time to time to achieve the overall objectives of his administration.
The Ekiti number one citizen said, “As you assume office, you need to learn fast on the job and familiarize yourself with the function of your respective offices, you must also acquaint yourself with the manifestoes that earn us the mandate of the good people of Ekiti State and to understand the direction of policies and programmes of this administration.
“Similarly, you must pay attention to the political environment under which we operate and apprise yourself to its uniqueness and idiosyncrasies.
“As top government functionaries, you will expectedly come under intense pressure. You, however, need to develop the right socio-political skills and emotional intelligence to manage pressure with firmness and magnanimity.”
Responding on behalf of the duo, Apata assured Governor Oyebanji that they would live a life of dedication, commitment, integrity, and loyalty in discharging their responsibilities.
Expressing gratitude to the governor for the appointment, Barrister Apata said that they would key into the vision and mission of his administration and also add value to the progress of the state.
The new SSG, Dr Adubiaro, who holds a doctorate degree in Chemistry, was formerly Vice Chairman of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; while Apata was a former Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Funminiyi Afuye; Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; the Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon Hakeem Jamiu; traditional rulers, led by the Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Council and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, His Royal Highness, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon; the wife of Ewi of Ado Ekiti and the Eyesorun of Ado-Ekiti, Eyesorun Abosede Adejugbe; the chairman of Ekiti State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC Barr Paul Omotosho, Permanent Secretaries, top government functionaries, and clerics, among others.
