NASS Leadership: Makinde Advocates Justice, Fairness, Equity

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has said that the election of the leadership of the Senate must be based on the principles of fairness, justice and equity.

The Governor said this at a post inauguration special thanksgiving service organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Fathers of Faith on Monday at Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Governor Makinde said, “We already have a President that is of Islamic faith, we have a Vice President that is of Islamic faith, number three is going to be the Senate President. And what we are saying across party lines, I am saying it publicly, all the governors in Nigeria came together and we said we will support the choice of the Senate President, who is a Christian from the South South region of Nigeria.”

He added, “We are not playing religious politics, but what is fair is fair. We stood for southern presidency, we will stand for justice, we stood for fairness and we are going to stand for equity as well.

“So, I will be at the National Assembly tomorrow, though I wasn’t elected a Senator and I have never been elected as one, I will be there with my colleagues, we will go and ensure that the principles of fairness, justice and equity prevail in the selection of the president of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

On his reelection, Makinde said “The election is a motivation to rededicate myself for the service of the state.”

The Governor, who appreciated the people of the state for electing him for another term of four years, promised not to let them down.

He thanked the Christian community in the state for organizing the thanksgiving service, saying: “The work you have given to me is actually not from 2023 to 2027 because we will put Oyo State on the path of sustainable development between 2023 and 2027. But the work you have given to me is targeting 2027 and beyond.

“So, I am going to do my best in carrying the people of Oyo State along. We already have the roadmap for sustainable development.”

The Governor said that the State House of Assembly would be proclaimed on Wednesday.

“From that point, we can move really fast, make the appointments and get people to start working for Oyo State. I am sure we won’t disappoint God and you,” he said.

Earlier in his sermon, Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle (Dr) Joshua Akinyemiju, said that the gathering was to appreciate God and worship Him on accounts of the Governor’s electoral victory.

While speaking about the Governor, the Apostle said, “Engr Seyi Makinde is a political apostle and a covenant child of God who brought accountability and probity to the governance of Oyo State.

“That Governor Makinde is an assiduous, tenacious, unflinching and heterogeneous entity is not a subject of debate.

“He has a gallant and indomitable spirit to succeed in any venture he sets his hand and mind upon, while relying solely on the omnipotent God. This Governor is a reformed reformer who has moved Oyo State from poverty to prosperity within a short period of time.”

He enjoined the Christian community to continue to uphold the Governor with prayers.

—Kunle Bakare.