Engr Seyi Makinde, the governor-elect of Oyo State has promised the people of the state that he will not disappoint them after trusting him with their votes.
He stated that his administration will fulfill all his campaign promises, not leaving any section of the state out of his plan.
Makinde made this known on Monday while addressing a press conference at his house, Ikolaba, GRA, Ibadan.
Flanked by his wife, Omini, deputy governor-elect, Engineer Raufu Olaniyan, Senator-elect for Oyo South senatorial district, Dr Kola Balogun and other members of House Representatives.
Makinde who will be the only governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the south-west also commended the people of Oyo state for their resilience, determination and doggedness.
His words, “the political struggle of the past few weeks by the people of Oyo State, particularly the elections which took place on Saturday leading to my being elected as your next governor come May this year, reminds me of the Agbekoya struggle of 1968.
“I compare the two historical events because while the original Agbekoya struggle of 50 years ago was a peasant revolt that kicked against high taxation and tariffs, particularly of farmers by the powers that be, Saturday’s voting pattern clearly showed your dogged determination in spite of spirited efforts to frustrate you.”
He said “in your valour, you stood up against what you perceived to be the mismanagement of your common patrimony brought about by collusion with forces outside of our shores to fleece our treasury, among other obvious misdemeanours.
“Well, there is no need crying over spilled milk and it is for us to move forward together and for me to fulfil my campaign promises to you in the clear understanding that we will take realistic decisions together because you did not elect me to compensate me for anything, you elected me to fulfil your desire for a better life and God helping me, I will not disappoint you.”
On the result of the election and the victory of the party in winning 26 slots out of the 32, Makinde acknowledged the electorates who he said made “it easier for us by voting in majority of our legislators which means that we can push through, without much ado, all of our people-oriented policies particularly in critical sectors of education, health and job creation.”
He then commended the role of the former governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde and Senator Monsura Sunmonu among others who he said: “decided to relegate their own ambition and support me for the greater good of the masses.”
Makinde boastfully said, “posterity will forever paint their names in gold.”
He also condemned the killings during the election which claimed lives of Honourable Temitope Olatoye and many others.
“The needless bloodletting, maiming and killings of members of opposition parties which led to the death of a federal legislator, Honourable Olatoye Temitope and some others was an unfortunate dent on our democracy. I assure the families involved that they will not die in vain.”
Packaged by Kunle Gazali and Dare Alesinloye
