The Fading Promise of Progress.
In the annals of Ekiti State’s political history, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s one-year tenure stands as a disheartening chapter, marked by a stunning lack of progress and development. Here, under the stewardship of Architect Sadiq Obanoyen, the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds herself compelled to reflect upon the dismal performance of this incumbent government.
A Celebration of Past PDP Achievements.
We begin by saluting the stalwart dedication of our Party leaders and the celebrated figures within Ekiti’s political tapestry. The PDP has been a beacon of progress in this State, fostering development and modernisation. Yet, the current administration, in its one-year tenure, has failed to match the achievements of past PDP governments, even in just a hundred days.
The Vision of Economic Development.
Economic development planning should be the bedrock of any government’s agenda, and it must be a vehicle for the equitable distribution of resources, job creation, and poverty reduction. Sadly, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has fallen far short of these objectives despite the huge allocation from the federal purse, manageable landmass and population.
Neglected Infrastructure and Roads.
Governor Oyebanji’s legacy appears bleak when we scrutinise his efforts in infrastructure and roads. Ekiti roads, Health facilities, Housing development, and Employment stand as neglected symbols of his tenure. Roads have deteriorated to a point where they endanger lives. Federal roads in the state, which thrived under PDP administrations, now lie in disrepair, casting a shadow over any claim to substantial infrastructural development. It could be acknowledged that while a semblance of Road maintenance occurred, it largely entailed the patching of existing roads. There is nowhere you enter Ekiti that you would not be treated to decrepit conditions of Ekiti’s terrible roads, Ikere to Akure, Aramoko to Ita-Ore, Ifaki to Omuo, Ado to Ijesa Isu, and many more.
Economic Realities.
The economic landscape in Ekiti fails to align with the prevailing hardships faced by her people. Taxation, internally generated revenue, and federal allocation have not translated into improved living standards, especially when compared to neighboring states. This disconnect is deeply concerning, as the economic well-being of the people should be a priority. Sadness and poverty are well written in the faces of an average Ekiti people, courtesy of the APC poverty distributorship, even members of their Party are not in any way immune from the terrible hardship imported to the State by the APC government .
Security Concerns.
Governor Oyebanji’s measures to enhance security have not quelled the rising tide of kidnappings and robberies. The alarming rates of kidnapping and robberies along roads like Ikole, Isan-Otun, Ise-Emure, Epe-Ijero, Orin- Ido and many more are bothersome. Questions arise about the effectiveness of the efforts of the governor, and the need for concrete security development remains unaddressed. The selective distribution of vehicles to only one security outfit is also perplexing, raising concerns about the equitable allocation of resources. Governor Oyebanji should emulate the governor of Osun State who has sacrificed his #600 million security votes for the development of Osun State, we expect Governor Oyebanji to sacrifice his almost half a billion monthly security votes for the development of the State.
Education’s Decline.
Ekiti’s educational sector has witnessed a concerning decline in performance, particularly in the results of secondary students. Ekiti State student’s performance under the current administration pales in comparison to the height achieved under Engr Segun Oni and the subsequent PDP government , especially when the Ministry of Education was led by the Deputy Governor; Prof. Olusola Eleka. The abrupt 200% tuition fee hike for higher institutions adds to the burdens faced by Ekiti’s parents, as they grapple with the financial strain of sending their children to school.
Environmental Neglect.
The misallocation and expenditure of the Ecology fund from the federal purse have exacerbated environmental issues. Rising floodwaters and the pervasive sight of refuse across the state capital underscore the urgency of addressing these concerns. The stewardship of resources for the environment has left much to be desired, with tangible results hard to come by.
Sports and Governance Lapses.
Governor Oyebanji’s lackluster attention to Ekiti sports has been highlighted by the embarrassing outing of the Ekiti State team in Asaba during the national sports festival. It reflects a lapse in supervision and governance, leaving the state’s sports endeavours in disarray. Such neglect in an area that can foster pride and unity among the people is deeply concerning.
Questionable Project Commissioning.
Governor Oyebanji’s commissioning of previously commissioned projects from his tenure as Secretary to the State Government raises concerns about the allocation of Ekiti’s resources. Transparency and accountability are paramount, and the people deserve answers about the rationale behind these actions.
Lack of Pro-people Policies.
The public sentiment towards Oyebanji’s administration is a disheartening 30%. The absence of external investments and the persistence of poverty among Ekiti people paint a grim picture. For a government that purports to improve lives, this assessment is a stark reminder of the unmet expectations and unfulfilled promises.
Healthcare and Agricultural Concerns.
The Governor’s absence from health facility visits raises questions about the state of healthcare in Ekiti, underscoring the need for firsthand insights. The agricultural sector, once a source of pride, has seen questions raised about the whereabouts of rice acquired during a previous administration, raising concerns about Ekiti’s agricultural production.
A Dearth of Social Amenities.
Ekiti languishes in the absence of novel amenities under Governor Oyebanji’s administration. The essential facilities that should enhance the quality of life for the people are notably absent, reflecting a lack of vision and execution in this crucial area.
Workers’ Welfare Neglect.
Workers have not enjoyed the kind of salary increments seen in other states, especially the governor of Ekiti needs to emulate the PDP governor in Edo where workers have enjoyed multiple salary increments and pensioners received due attention. Governor’s deductions from workers’ salaries during times of hardship to build civil centers are viewed as unjust. In a time when government assistance to workers is vital, Ekiti workers have been left struggling, aside from their regular salary which they are duly entitled.
As we reflect on one year under Governor Oyebanji, it is clear that Ekiti deserves better. The PDP calls on the Ekiti people to be vigilant, as the current administration has been a setback for the state’s development. It is a time for all stakeholders to hold the government accountable and demand the progress and development that Ekiti State rightfully deserves.
Aare Amerijoye DOT.B.
Publicity Secretary,
Caretaker Transition Committee,
Peoples Democratic Party,
Ekiti State.
