Declares zero-tolerance for corruption, profligacy
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday, inaugurated the 38 new council chairmen and their deputies, urging them to place a premium on security as well as revenue generation in their councils.
Oyebanji gave the advice, yesterday, during the inauguration ceremony for the new council chairmen held at OsuntokunPavillion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
The governor, who expressed zero-tolerance for corruption and pilfering of council funds, urged them to discharge their duties with utmost “honesty, impartiality, compassion and fairness,” adding that they must work assiduously for the actualisation of the shared prosperity mantra of his government.
He also ordered the council chairmen to build on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, adding that his administration would not tolerate any form of security lapses at the third tier of government under their watch.
Oyebanji, while addressing the new council bosses, represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, described the council as an integral part of overall development focus and strategy of his government that requires adequate attention to tackle the menace of poverty, joblessness and insecurity.
The governor lauded the immediate past chairmen and those that were re-elected for demonstrating enough political and administrative acumen to deliver, in spite of the multifarious challenges associated with being pioneers.
The state’s Chief Executive revealed that he decided to put machinery in motion for the conduct of election at the council level to further corroborate how desirous he was for the third tier of government to be run in a democratic manner.
He saluted the former chairmen for their outstanding performances and for being shrewd and dexterous in playing local politics that was chiefly associated with the running of council system, saying this reflected in their acceptability and connectivity with the people.
On his commitment to stamp out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements out of Ekiti, the governor, therefore, charged the chairmen to prioritise security at all times, adding: “You must be deliberate about this.”
Oyebanji advised the new council bosses against relying solely on funds accruing to them from the federation and state accounts to run the affairs of the councils, but avert administrative failure and inability to fulfil their electioneering promises.
