Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, met on Tuesday with the newly inaugurated members of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly with a promise to operate an open-door policy to all regardless of party affiliations, religion, or tribe.
Playing host to the members, who were led by the re-elected Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, to the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun reminded them that politics is over, hence the need for all elective officials to join hands to serve the people.
The governor appreciated the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during their proclamation and inauguration, noting that it was an indication that the State is populated by those who know how to resolve their differences amicably.
“Let me deeply appreciate your sense of responsibility and your leadership qualities that have been exhibited by each and every one of you at this time. This is how we like to be defined as a State. A State that upholds the tenets of democracy, a State that knows how to resolve its problems, and a State that resolves its differences peacefully
“We must remind ourselves that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria. We are the investor’s destination of choice; we are the education and religious capital of Nigeria; and we are a State with many firsts.
“By What you have exhibited today, you have enshrined your names in the history book and your footprints in the sands of time.” Ogun State is not a crisis-ridden state, and that is how we like to be defined,” the governor stated.
Abiodun commended those who contested elections and lost for their magnanimity and for ensuring that the proclamation and inauguration were not only peaceful but rancorous.
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He appreciated members of the 9th Assembly for their cooperation and collaboration in the last four years, saying though they are a different arm of government, it was imperative for all arms to cooperatively and collaboratively work together for the successful implementation of the vision mapped out by the executive.
The governor expressed his hope that the 10th Assembly would build on the foundation laid by the 9th Assembly by legislating on issues that affect the people positively.
“I want to promise you that I will be the governor of all. Elections have been keenly contested, and some of us have emerged winners; others were not so lucky, but the State remains. We are all here to remain winners. There is no winner, and there is no vanquished. We are all here to represent the people of the State. So politics is now behind us, and campaigns are now behind us.
“I am pledging that I will be the governor of all. I will maintain an open door policy for everyone, regardless of party affiliation, religion, or tribe. I promise to continue to be fair, just, and equitable. I promise to support you in the discharge of your legislative duties, which are to pass laws and provide oversight for different sectors of the State,” the governor assured.
While calling for the cooperation of the lawmakers, the State helmsman reminded them of the vision of his administration, which is “to provide good governance while creating an enabling environment for a public-private partnership that is fundamental to the economic growth of the State and individual prosperity of the people and the Building Our Future Together mantra as encapsulated in ISEYA”.
Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Oluomo, said the members came on a courtesy visit to appreciate the governor for his support of the House at all times.
He informed the governor of the peaceful conduct of the proclamation and inauguration of the 10th Assembly, assuring him of their resolve to work as a team by cooperating with the executive for peace and the development of the State.
All 26 members of the Assembly, including the new Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bolanle Ayayi, who is the first woman to occupy that position, were in attendance.
(omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
