By Gbenga Sodeinde
The lawmaker representing Ikole constituency 2, in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, has described the N24 million approved by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to purchase relief materials for victims of rainstorm in Oke- Ako, as a loud testimony to the governor’s penchant for the pursuit of welfarist policies to benefit the populace.
Aribasoye, who is seeking reelection to the legislative arm, with Oke- Ako as one of the component towns in his constituency, averred that the swift action taken by the governor to mitigate the sufferings of those who suffered collateral damage, buttressed the fact that there is no viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ekiti.
Sequel to the blowing off of the rooftops of over 105 buildings during the stormy rainfall of 3rd March, 2023 in the town, the governor, having been adequately briefed by Hon. Aribasoye, quickly despatched the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye to the town to appraise the level of damage.
During the on the spot assessment done in the town on 4th March, 2023 by the Deputy Governor, Hon Aribasoye and the Chairman of the Ajoni Local Council Development Area, the governor, promised to provide succour for the victims and this was in fulfilment of that pledge.
Responding to the governor’s deft step taken to douse the frenzied tension in the town and put a soothing balm on the victims’ pains, in a statement in Ayedun Ekiti, on Tuesday, Aribasoye, saluted Governor Oyebanji for posing as unflagging promise keeper and true defender of the commoners.
Aribasoye urged the people of Ikole Local Government to reciprocate the gesture by voting for the candidates presented by APC for the March 18 House of Assembly poll, in the two constituencies in the council.
The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated outstanding leadership quality by this swift and timely gesture, saying reciprocating the gesture via voting will motivate him to deliver more rewarding dividends of democracy.
He reminded the citizens that the governor has also been working indefatigably to tackle insecurity in the area through partnership with the LCDA and towns to tame the rising kidnappings and killings at the borders, stressing the need for them to work hard to vote for legislators that will complement his policies.
He said; “Immediately the devastating event happened, I took time to brief the governor and to our surprise, the Deputy Governor visited the town the second day to assess the level of damage and promised that Governor Oyebanji will provide succour.
“In less than 10 days that this promise was made, the governor walked the talk by approving a whooping sum of N24m to purchase relief packages to rebuild the damaged buildings, so those displaced can return to their homesteads.
“This to me, was commendable. I salute the industry and quick reflex to issues by the present administration. The governor has demonstrated leadership and the knack to govern well. He has shown compassion for the Oke- Ako rainstorm victims, which was unprecedented.
“What is left for our people is to now play complementary roles, by supporting all the activities of government and by extension voting for those that will enhance the smooth running of government at the legislative arm, so that the six-point agenda can be implemented wholly.
“The legislature is the intellectual hub of government and any action taken in defiance to the articulated policy thrust of government, may bring derailment and bad governance, which will not be in the interest of people”.
Aribasoye assured his constituents that they will in time benefit from the aggressive human capital and infrastructure development focus of the present administration in due course.
He also promised to deliver more progressive and quality representation at the assembly if reelected.