Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has told the newly inaugurated ’55’ caretaker chairmen that he would not hesitate to replace any non-performing council helmsmen.
Two of the 57 nominees were declared unfit by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the inauguration of council chairmen which took place earlier this morning, Ajimobi said election would be conducted into the 33 and 35 local government and local council development areas, as soon as the court case is settled.
The governor told them not to see their appointment as an opportunity to ‘line their pockets with public funds, he reminded them of the oath of office which they took to maintain faithfulness with tenets of governance and adhere to rule of law as well as the principle of confidentiality.
According to Ajimobi, human satisfaction resides in public service and that those who have the opportunity to serve their people, especially those in dire need at the grassroots should do so wholeheartedly as they would be adding value to the system.
Hear him: “You are caretakers, holding forth for others and your tenure is temporary. So be rest assured that your good work will be your certificate of retention. If you fail to work well, we will remove you.
”There is a lot of satisfaction in public service, especially when you serve those in real need of it at the grassroots. A leader must not only visualise, he must also have courage to reject what is wrong.
“Remember the oath of allegiance you just took which has to do with faithfulness. Your action must be according to the law, act without fear or favour and do everything in adherence to the principle of confidentiality.
”The day the court case is settled is the day we will announce the date of election,’’ he said, urging the new chairmen to perform exemplarily so as to be worthy of being voted anytime the election would be held.
”The only advantage you have now as you have been sworn in is that you can quickly do things that will endear you to your people before election,” he counselled.
Basorun Bosun Ajuwon of Ibadan North-West Local Government who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressed appreciation to the governor and the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) in the state for the trust reposed in them, promising that the new council bosses would deliver on the promises of the Ajimobi-led administration to ensure better life for the people at the grassroots.
