The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, has called on political leaders in the country to rise above themselves, at every moment, in order to serve the overall interest of the people.
Fayemi made the call on Thursday, at the official commissioning of the dualisation of the 7.25km Idi Ape – Basorun – Akobo – Odogbo Barrack junction and the newly constructed Akobo Flyover Bridge, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Dr Fayemi, who was the special guest of honour at the commissioning, stated that his primary duty, as the chairman of the NGF, is to protect, defend and promote the interest of all the 36 state governors in Nigeria, regardless of their party affiliation, saying it is a duty beyond party and a recognition of the promises and pledges made to people who elected them into office.
He said: “I know this road will be plied by members of APC, PDP and those who do not even belong to any party. To that extent, we must commend both the government that started this road and Governor Makinde for not abandoning the project. The credit belongs to both governments.”
Fayemi noted that politicians could disagree without being disagreeable if the development of the people is their goal and they should, after election, support those saddled with the responsibility of governance by the people.
He also cautioned against what he called continued reliance on “majoritarian democracy”, saying that those who win 51 percent at elections must find ways to come together with those who win 49 percent to run inclusive administrations.
Road Rehabilitation
In his remark, the host governor, Seyi Makinde, affirmed that road rehabilitation projects embarked upon by his administration is to boost the economy and bring development to the people of the state, as development has nothing to do with party affiliation.
Makinde asserted: “Our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have different philosophies, but when it is time to do what is right for the progress of our people, we should be able to come together and get it done. And today, it is a testimony. Like I always say, players will always come and go but our state and country will remain.”
He disclosed that his administration is aware of the poor condition of the roads in the state and is doing something about the inner city roads, as the government had given the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA) the sum of N750 million for the rehabilitation of roads in order to ensure that all local government areas get some of their roads fixed.
Governor Makinde maintained that the newly commissioned road and flyover project would enhance the socio-economic development of four Local Government Areas of the state including Akinyele, Lagelu, Ibadan North and Ibadan North-East, saying the present administration would continue to build infrastructure that targets the economy.
Makinfe further debunked insinuations that the state government had hijacked the functions of local governments in the state, saying the state government is only assisting them to function effectively and called for collaboration among all levels of government so as to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
Present at the commissioning were top government functionaries, politicians, trade groups, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders, among others.
N.O
