Makinde meets Ajimobi, seeks shared vision for state development

CONTINUING his series of thank you visits, Oyo governor-elect, Mr Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, met with Governor Abiola Ajimobi towards evolving a shared vision for the development of the State.

The interaction held at government house, Ibadan, saw Makinde point to the imperative of tapping from the experience of Ajimobi in governance as well as both of them working towards having a prosperous state of fairness, justice and equity.

Makinde averred that following his election as governor, political exchanges with the incumbent had to take the back seat and that the business of governance now had to be on the front burner.

Furthermore, he prayed that Ajimobi made the transition process smooth.

“Electioneering is over, there were certain things we said during the process that is political talk. Now, it is time for serious business.

“I want to give the assurance that our State is dear to all of us hence we threw our hat in the ring. You have done your part for the State and you have tried your best.

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“If you remember we once had a meeting and I said I will like to share in your vision if you were going to hand over to me. Here we are and the position remains the same. We need to have a shared vision of how was want our state to develop.

“I have come to let you know that I want us to make the transition as smooth as possible and to give the people the assurance that we have the same vision which is to see the prosperity of Oyo state,” Makinde said.

Makinde was accompanied on the visit by his deputy, Mr Rauf Olaniyan; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State, Mr Omokunmi Mustapha; spokesperson, Seyi Makinde Campaign Organisation, Mr Dotun Oyelade; Director General of the campaign organisation, Mr Bayo Lawal; businessman, Mr Femi Babalola; former Senate deputy Chief Whip, Hosea Agboola, among other PDP members.

In his remarks, Ajimobi admonished Makinde to be wary of praise singers, avoid acrimony and leverage on rather than destroy relationships.

Informing his cabinet, Ajimobi charged Makinde to look out for people of quality and can add value to governance, even if there were not members of the PDP.

Speaking further, Ajimobi urged Makinde to take note of individuals and groups with tendencies to foment trouble around the state, while adding that people usually will fight back change when attempted.

While noting his leadership style may be different from that of Makinde, Ajimobi urged Makinde to leverage on his achievements especially sustaining peace, security and infrastructural development.

Ajimobi said he was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve humanity for eight years and will be ready to offer advice if Makinde seeks it.

“In Oyo State, we have done our own best, we have at least made sure we have security so sustain it. Don’t allow the tendencies of the past to creep in, particularly NURTW and other known troublemakers. Be aware of them.

“We will be available to you should you need advice. In areas we have done well, improve on it; and in areas we have not done well, look at those areas and make improvements.

“People will resist change but we don’t know if we don’t make those changes, things won’t improve. And when you step on toes, the toes will kick back. Whatever we do, we must be ready for kickbacks.

“You deserve the victory regardless of whatever means people say your party deployed. The point is that you won.

“Above all, beware of praise singers, some people will tell you that you must do this and that; avoid acrimony, as it is always better to leverage on a relationship than destroy the relationship. And, focus on the job,” Ajimobi said.