*…Woos Support For Adekanmbi, Salawu, Other APM Candidates*
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has disclosed that aggrieved members of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, will be appointed as Special Assistants and Supervisory Councillors across wards before the expiration of the Makinde-led administration.
Barr. Lawal made the disclosure on Tuesday in Oyo town at a reconciliation meeting comprising four local governments – Oyo East, Oyo West, Atiba and Afijio, held at the Labamba Event Centre, Oyo.
The deputy governor attributed the grievances among party members to the challenges that come with being a ruling party, noting that reconciliation remains key to resolving lingering issues.
He said members had raised concerns over the reward system in Oyo Federal Constituency, assuring that there would be equity and fairness in the few months remaining in the Makinde administration.
According to Barr. Lawal, the government is preparing to appoint SAs and Supervisory Councillors across zones in the state, adding that the appointments would be made after the reconciliation tour.
Barr. Lawal further disclosed that the Oyo State government has approved roads for construction across Oyo Federal Constituency, noting that only the release of funds is pending to commence work.
He charged local governments in the federal constituency to liaise with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters on grading of roads in various communities, assuring that he would work to ensure the roads are graded as soon as possible.
On primary healthcare, the deputy governor said the Chairman of the Primary Healthcare Board would be summoned for activation of facilities, as well as establishment of a customary court in Ward 4, among other demands.
He thanked party members for their support for Governor Makinde’s administration and said the incoming administration would adopt a bottom-up approach across local governments.
Barr. Lawal, however, appealed to members not to lose hope, saying several opportunities are on the way.
Earlier in his remarks, the APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, stressed that no state in the country is currently running full autonomy for local governments, urging people not to be deceived by APC antics.
He said Governor Makinde has remained committed to the development of all local government areas.
Adekanmbi, however, maintained that leaders and members would be the ones to decide affairs in their local governments.
While assuring party members of inclusiveness in appointments of Supervisory Councillors, councillors and others if elected, he said meetings would always be convened on appointments at the local level.
He added that the reconciliation report would be discussed with Governor Makinde by the deputy governor, noting that only when APM is elected can members fully benefit from the party.
He appealed to members not to be angry to the point of working against the party, saying there is no other reward for party members than ensuring victory for the party.
Adekanmbi said as incoming governor, he remains the one with the capacity to right the wrongs at party level.
He appealed to members to remain dedicated and committed to the victory of the party across Oyo East, Oyo West, Atiba and Afijio, while promising not to renege on his promises.
The event was attended by the Director-General of the APM Campaign Council, Hon. Nureni Adeniran and his team, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Atilola, and other party chieftains.
