Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has reacted to his 2023 re-election bid, saying his prayer is that God should allow His will prevail.
The governor, who spoke at the 1443/2021 Hijrah Luncheon held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on Sunday, also urged his supporters to go back to God.
“Finally, those who are going about to campaign for re-election with the insignia of 4 + 4, please let us go back to God. I did not tell the people in 2019 that I must be governor at all cost. The prayer I prayed to God was to allow His will prevail. So, I am saying it again that I want the will of God to prevail in my political adventure,” he said.
He assured that his administration will continue to balance political appointments between Christians and Muslims in the state, adding that Muslims and the people of Oyo State know that his administration is doing the right things.
His words, “I want to use the opportunity of today’s event to address the issues some people brought up. Everytime I go through the social media and read what people are saying, those who know how we did campaign in 2019 will admit that we did not abuse anyone.
“As a matter of fact, the people of Oyo State know we are doing the right thing. We released the Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State (2019-2023) document, and told the people to hold us accountable by the document. I am saying today again, go and look at the document. All the things we are doing now have been documented and we are just following the roadmap.”
Makinde further dismissed the alleged rumour being circulated by certain persons that he delayed the approval of the documents of some Muslims that were supposed to be judges in the state, noting that such rumours amount to fallacy and are baseless.
“One of the things they said, which got me depressed, is about the appointment of judges. They said Seyi Makinde does not like Muslims and that was why he delayed the approval of the documents of Muslims that were supposed to be judges.
“When we got into government, I deployed the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice to Education, but I will not say the reason I made such decision because the person is no longer with us again and won’t be able to defend himself. But the Chief Judge came to me and said I would have ended the career of the PS if I moved him to another Ministry. And that this person is who he think can become a judge. But I assured him that I was going to return him and I did.
“So, if I don’t want him to become a judge, I would not have taken such a step. What the Holy Bible teaches us is that it is only God that can tell when we will pass to the world beyond. This is why I laugh when some people come out and say that, in 2023, they want to become this and that, instead of requesting for long life and good health from God.
“I will continue to balance appointments between the Christians and Muslim faithful. I have reappointed seven commissioners and, for the remaining 10 commissioners, you can rest, assured that it will be a balanced appointment. I challenge anyone here today to go to our neighboring states. If you see anything better that what we are doing in Oyo State, let me know and I will ensure I adjust.
The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to re-double its efforts to ensure progress and development in the state.
“Challenges are normal situations but we have to double our efforts to see semblance of progress and wherever Seyi Makinde stops, those coming behind will take it from there”, he said.
