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| Democracy Day |
Governor Makinde's first year of the second term has been characterized by superficiality, constant noise, and posturing at the Agodi Government House, rather than delivering quality services and establishing robust institutions for democracy and effective governance.
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has issued a warning to Governor Seyi Makinde, urging him not to continue flaunting a false democratic image and purported achievements that are significantly below par, especially during the first anniversary of his second term. The party suggests that such actions would only exacerbate the wounds of poor governance already inflicted on the state's populace.
The APC, through a statement released on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, expressed disappointment that Oyo State is trailing its counterparts in terms of a solid developmental agenda, wealth generation, resource management, and the incorporation of transparency and accountability in governance, among other areas.
Governor Makinde's first year of the second term has been characterized by superficiality, constant noise, and posturing at the Agodi Government House, rather than delivering quality services and establishing robust institutions for democracy and effective governance.
The current administration has failed to stimulate any major economic sector, and the powers-that-be have not allowed for the necessary transparency and accountability that would enable objective and precise public evaluation.
Governor Makinde is likened to a student who writes an exam, grades it himself, and assigns his own scores. The state's laws, which require contracts to undergo due process, are reportedly being ignored, with the governor initiating and concluding contracts single-handedly, often involving the State Executive Committee and the State House of Assembly only after the fact, and usually after securing and spending billions in loans.
The state's healthcare sector is in disarray, evidenced by the ongoing strike by nurses and midwives, with doctors likely to follow suit. This unrest points to deeper issues within the state's health facilities. The education sector is also suffering, with a lack of teachers for essential subjects like Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Accounting in many public schools, as retirements and departures go unaddressed.
In agriculture, despite abundant land and human resources, Oyo State has no significant accomplishments to its name. Instead of fostering agricultural investment and aiding local farmers with technology and knowledge, the government is accused of land grabbing for real estate development. Despite taking loans for agricultural development years ago, no progress has been made.
The traditional institutions have been undermined by the current PDP government, leading to a decline in investment and a surge in youth unemployment. The government is also criticized for its previous association with Mukaila Lamidi, aka Auxiliary, and for its handling of local governance, particularly the recent controversial council elections, which have brought shame to the state's citizens internationally.
