Daniel Agbolade, Ibadan

A socio-political pressure group, Agitators for Good Governance in Nigeria (AGGIN), has urged the governor-elect in Oyo state, Mr. Seyi Makinde, to score a first on assumption of office, by constituting Elders Advisory Council (EAC) to support his administration with useful and timely ideas to move the state forward.

The group in a statement by its state Coordinator, Mr. Adebowale Adeoye, said the EAC should comprise men and women with track records in public and private sectors, administration, economy, sports and other fields of human endeavours.

He said past governors, deputy governors, Secretaries to the State Government, Head of Service and credible labour leaders be injected into the body, to serve in such advisory capacity, to channel development for the state, in line with the vision and manifestoes of the ruling government.

The group also described his emergence as the will of God backed up with unmatched and unimaginable determination of the people of the state "to liberate themselves from slavery, bad governance and unilateral actions of just one emperor that has destroyed all known principles of democracy in the state."

It however charged Makinde not to betray the trust and confidence that the good people of the state have in him, that motivated them to massively voted him as governor of the state. 

Adeoye also called the attention of the governor-elect to steps taken by the group on his behalf, during campaign and election periods, since parts of it will form the yardstick to measure his achievements, forthwith. 

He said, "We have sent experts out to take note and record of the present situation on ground, the state of facilities in the various hospitals, schools and other government establishments. We took this step to make available to the people of Oyo State the reality and true position of things as at the time your administration takes over to avoid future denial and as well encourage people to appreciate every effort of your administration towards returning the state to its pacesetters status.

"A critical assessment of the present situation of each sector of the economy in Oyo state confirmed the enormous task before your incoming administration and upon which the administration will be judged." 

The group also charged Makinde to ensure that the promises made on his behalf by the group are attended to and executed. 

"You will recall sir, as published in some dailies that prior to the governorship election after our decision to back you as the right candidate for the state, we then moved round the six geopolitical zones in the state and consulted with who is who in the society, leadership of the various groups including professional bodies, communities, association, veterans and Pensioners Aid Organisation. 

"Our position on what to expect from your administration if voted for were made known and we got them convinced, and they promised to give their votes to you. We have no doubt in our mind that they fulfilled their promise.

“We promised good governance with human face. That you are the only candidate that would see all citizens of Oyo State as your subjects, irrespective of age, creed, political or religion affiliation; that you would be governor of all and all.

"We also promised that you would ensure adequate security of lives and property in the state.

“‘We included in our promises that you would provide good healthcare, community health services, new lease of life for pensioners and senior citizens in the State.

“We gave an assurance that you would support various projects on girl-child advancement, especially “Support a just world that advances girl-child rights and equity”, and that you would also be a governor that would implement United Nations 1995 Beijing Declaration, Platform for Action’s Resolutions, the most progressive blueprint ever for women’s rights.

“We added that you would revive education sector and make education accessible and affordable for all. The present standard of education in Oyo State is worrisome and embarrassing. Oyo State is currently occupying 26th position in Nigeria out of 36 states and FCT, the worst ever.

"We hereby request that you approach governance in Oyo State holistically and appoint right people into various positions", he said. 

The group promised to rally the incoming government with necessary support, pledging to be objective in its critic of the administration to guarantee success.