As governors continue the commissioning of projects in celebration of 100 days in office across the nation, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter has warned governors not to allow unrealistic expectations of people to distract their attention from quality service delivery.
This was contained in a statement signed by the chairman, Oyo State Chapter of CAN, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu who left for Israel on Wednesday to seek God’s intervention for the restoration of the lost glory of the pacesetter’s state. The statement was nd made available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday through his Personal Assistant on media and communications, Mr. Adebowale Adeoye.
The statement read, “I think we should have attitudinal change in the way we criticize government in Nigeria, we give much attention to unnecessary things at the expense of pressing issues. Expecting the state governor to fulfill all our heart desires in his less than four months in office is impossible and unachievable; nothing but mere distraction.”
He also advised politicians, various groups, unions and critics not to engage in destructive and distractive criticism, especially those who expected governor to have completed all road, education, agriculture projects and many more within 100days in office. He said, “the bulk of political critics have never sat down for a chat with the Governor, but even though they have never met him personally, very few go for conspiracy theories about the governor being a hoax to dupe the gullible who inspite of being adults had the spontaneous, undivided, and rather self-centered minds of a toddler.”
“It is even wrong to use 100 days (6.8% of the actual days a governor is entitled to according to Nigeria constitution) to judge a governor that has about 1460 days to spend in office. It is a distraction, a away of encouraging substandard work, corruption and deceit. Governors should be modest and sincere. They should emulate governor Seyi Makinde, be reasonable in their approach to governance.”
“How do you expect a standard school or well equipped hospital to be completed within 100 days in most cities in the state, meanwhile other sectors are also waiting for his attention. Some states governors have waisted several billions in an attempt to have project to commission in their 100 days in office, whereas most of these projects can not pass test of time. We should not forget that no matter how many floors a house has, if the foundation is unstable, chances are that it will crumble at one point or another.”
Pastor Akanmu however showered encomiums on Engr Seyi Makinde for the feats achieved within the shortest time in office. He said, “Gov. Seyi Makinde has really distinguished himself as a vessel of honour, selected out of multitude by God to build 21st Century Noah’s Ark, to rescue Oyo people from the spate of insecurity, poverty, joblessness, ailment, immorality, education rot. The governor deserved commendation for all that he has been able to achieve so far. He has touched most sectors, especially those required urgent attention, for instance security, education, health, agriculture, welfare.”
“Just few days ago, the pupils that represented Oyo State at Science Teachers Association of Nigeria 60th National Quiz Competition, held at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano came first ahead of Ondo State which claimed the second position. Makinde’s commitment to education will in no distance time bear more fruits for the state.”
Pastor Akanmu also warned senior civil servants and political office holders not to work against people’s interests, as well as good intention of the governor. He said “let me also at this juncture warn our people in the civil service, political office holders and lobbyists not to allow selfish interest to override people’s interest and never work against the good intentions of the state governor.”
“I advise we develop divided mind to enable us separate our thinking and reasoning from our desires, to be able to make conscious decisions about the best course of action to take for our people and culture. It is the only way we can be able to set aside present wants in favour of future goals.”
Responding to why CAN is so much involved and concerned about good governance in Nigeria, Pastor Akanmu said, “we are ordained by God to look after His people on the planet of earth and to whom much is given, much would be demanded, we shall account for every soul under our care, including that of the political leaders. We have responsibility of correcting political office holders/leaders when they are going astray and encourage them when doing the will of God.
“Besides, who will come out for evangelism or come out on Sunday to worship God when security of lives and property is under threat or can someone suffering economy hardship provide for his family, serve God or support fellow Christians? For these we have responsibilities of ensuring that people of God enjoy the kingdom of God on earth, monitor even distribution of state wealth and ensure leaders apply fear of God to governance.”
He finally called on people of Oyo state to rally good support for the administration of Seyi Makinde and pray fervently for God’s intervention. “We are sure Seyi Makinde will run a righteous government that will benefit everyone regardless of political or religion affiliate. The will of God will be done in the state, the hungry will be fed, the sick will be healed and there will also be restoration of life. There would be genuine peace in Oyo state, a sincere peace that will bring joy, prosperity and long life,” Pastor Akanmu concluded.
