…From Dele Ogunyemi, Ibadan…
Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday declared his intention to reconstitute the state’s Cabinet by the end of October.
He disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir reception which took place at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to the Governor, “the dissolution of the former Cabinet was necessitated to give room for integration, reconciliation and rejuvenation, more so, as the party and other stakeholders had been complaining that they were not fully involved.”
He added that the dissolution was also to ensure the usual systemic requirements, adding that he had duly informed the party to submit the names of nominees to be considered for appointment.
He assured the people of the state that the positions would be spread across all the geo-political zones of the state to ensure fair representation.
He said: “What we are trying to do in essence is to rejuvenate the Exco. I think this time around we’ll make sure we spread the appointment to all the Local Governments so that they are fairly represented.”
While assuring the people of the state of fairness and justice in the cabinet that would soon be constituted, the governor insisted that the delay in getting the list of nominees was from the political leaders.
He also stated that he was mindful of a group within the party that complained of marginalization while assuring that the issue would be addressed.
The governor however commended members of the past cabinet for their loyalty and efficiency and reiterated his determination to ensure that the government remain focused in its transformation agenda.
Governor Ajimobi called for the continued support of the people of the state to ensure the success of his administration in its efforts to better their lots.
While calling on politicians and those in positions of authority to always ensure that they fulfilled their promises to the people, he said that he would not renege in his promise of fulfilling all his electioneering promises to the people of the state.
Governor Ajimobi called on Muslim faithful to imbibe the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir which, according to him, was faithfulness and service to humanity as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
“My message therefore is that all of us should ensure that we fulfill our promises, whatever they may be. A gentleman’s word is his bound. Once you say this thing is going to be done, you must endeavour to do it. That is what we are doing presently in Oyo State.
“We must have faith in God. We must all serve humanity to the best of our ability. If we do, Nigeria and Oyo State will be better places to live in,’’ he said.
The governor was also at the Ikolaba residence of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao to celebrate the occasion with him.
In his remarks, Alhaji Arisekola Alao said that Eid-el Kabir was upholding one of the tenets of Islam to strengthen the faith of Muslims in the Almighty Allah as was done by Prophet Ibrahim.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Suara Haruba admonished Muslims to use the occasion of the celebration to embrace peace and work towards the progress of the nation.
He also advised Muslims and politicians to learn from Prophet Ibrahim who obeyed Allah by offering his only son as sacrifice to Him, which, according to him, showed total obedience to the Almighty Allah.