Oyo Governor Employs Trade-offs, Alignment To Achieve Sustainable Development

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that trade-offs and alignment would be his operating principles to achieving sustainable development in the state.

Makinde, who identified the principles of equity, fairness and justice as essential elements to achieving good governance, declared that his support would go to anyone who subscribed to those principles, no matter whose ox is gored.

He affirmed that the principles would remain the watchword of his administration as the state marches towards sustainable development.

The governor who stated this in a newsletter dated 15th June, 2023, disclosed that meaningful development and advancement would be a mirage without unity, especially among political stakeholders. He urged young politicians who wish to go far in politics to shun enmity and embrace alignment when necessary.

He said: “Many people still think, in 2023, opposition politics is about hostility and perpetual enmity. It is not. This is one lesson that young people who really want to go far in politics should learn quickly. After years of contesting and losing elections, I realised that politics is a game of principles and deep interests.

“I also learnt that politics is about trade-offs. But again, trade-offs should be based on principles. You gain followership when people know what your principles are. In a country such as Nigeria, where political parties are not yet set on proven ideologies, it is these principles that will determine political trade-offs and alignments,” the governor stressed.

While hinting that necessary consultation was ongoing on the composition of a new cabinet, he noted that capable hands among his former aides would be engaged to continue their services to the state.

Makinde stated: “Of course, I have also been busy consulting widely to ensure that I keep to my promise of having a cabinet in place within the next two months. I ask for your support and prayers as I make the necessary decisions to move our dear state forward”.

The governor also promised to enact more policies that would make Oyo State the preferred destination for private-sector investment.

Emmanuel Ukoh