Workers in Ekiti State Local Government Councils under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), yesterday reinforced their support for the re-election bid of the incumbent Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji with a donation of the sum of 10 million naira to his campaign.
The cheque for the amount was presented to Governor Oyebanji during a meeting with the Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Local Government Administration (HLAs) and Directors across the 16 Local Government Councils and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) at the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti.
NULGE President, Mr. Oluseyi Olatunde, who presented the cheque to the Governor on behalf of the workers, said the financial contribution was a demonstration of the local government workers’ unshaken confidence in the Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, adding that the gesture reflects their collective resolve to ensure the Governor serves a second term in office.
Describing Oyebanji-led administration as “a golden era” for workers in the state, Olatunde said Governor Oyebanji has changed the fortunes of local government employees in the state and restored dignity and confidence in the service, adding that the local government workers’ support for the Governor’s re-election is not just about continuity of good governance, but also about safeguarding the progress and stability that the administration has brought to the local government in the state.
Stressing that the Governor is the answers to Ekiti people’s prayers, the NULGE President vowed that Ekiti workers will not allow anybody to truncate the pace of development currently being enjoyed in the state. This he said, informed their decision to mobilize support as well as resources for the re-election of the Governor.
The NULGE President highlighted various achievements of the Governor in the local government, including payment of five months salary arrears, regular payment of deductions, payment of leave bonus arrears, payment of N70,000 minimum wage, construction of ultra-modern office complex, payment of seven months arrears of gratuity, and appointment of Local Government Officers as Permanent Secretaries, among others.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, who commended Governor Oyebanji for repositioning the local government system in the State, said the Governor’s leadership style has strengthened efficiency and restored confidence in the local government administration.
Chief Abejide assured the Governor that the local government workers are grateful for his impactful administration and would demonstrate their gratitude with their votes, adding that the workers are determined to mobilize support across the State to guarantee victory for the Governor.
The LGSC boss charged the local government workers to mobilize and encourage the people in their various local council areas to update their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC), which according to him, is the ticket to translate their support for the Governor into the reality.
Governor Oyebanji, in his response, thanked the Council workers for their trust and support for his government since inception. He also expressed his appreciation for the gestures, assuring them that his government’s policies will continue to prioritize their welfare, enhance service delivery, and accelerate development across the State.
While expressing optimism about the forthcoming primary and gubernatorial elections, Governor Oyebanji said the overwhelming support he continues to receive from the council workers and citizens across various strata gives him confidence of victory.
Speaking further, the Governor said his administration remains open to constructive criticism, the Governor frowned at individuals fabricating contents on social media to discredit his performance and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state, stressing that the President has been very supportive of his administration and the State.
The Governor used the opportunity to urge the council workers to mobilize and encourage people in the local council to update and collect their Permanent Voter cards.
Also at the meeting were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Special Adviser Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, among others
