…says governance is for serious minded people
By Editor
Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, one of the leading governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, has promised to pay the backlog of salary arrears owed civil servants in the state if elected the governor in the forthcoming election.
In addition, Akinbade assured that all the outstanding pensions and gratuities owed those retired would be cleared within a year of assumption of office as governor of the state. This he believes, would buoy up the state economy currently in doldrums.
To this effect, he promised that on assumption of office as governor of the state, he would not only put a halt to the payment of half salaries and pensions but would ensure their full restoration so as to boost the morale of those in the sector with a view to enhancing their productivity.
It is recalled that workers and retirees have been on half salaries and pensions since September 2015, a development that has generated much heat within and outside the state.
However while speaking with the party delegates from Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Federal Constituency on Tuesday in their various council areas, Akinbade assured that within one year of assumption of office as governor of the state, he would ensure the payment of outstanding financial obligations owed both serving and retired workers in the state.
“This is neither a political nor cheap talk as some people may want to infer, It is doable. I had served at various capacities in government and I know how to go about this. My confidence is based on my knack for prudence, elimination of wastages and financial engineering” he said
Besides, the one time Secretary to the Osun Government, described governance as a serious business that required experience and service spirit for the running of the government to be meaningful to the people.
In particular, Akinbade noted that with the level of despondency currently in the state,whoever would take over from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, should be somebody with deep knowledge of the state and imbued with service spirit and could hit the ground running without much ado.
“With the benefit of hindsight, governance especially in a state like ours, it’s a serious business that requires serious minded somebody like me to steer it ship after Ogbeni Aregbesola must have exited. Those who truly know me, know that I am not given to frivolity. My passion for our dear state and its people, is surely beyond measure. By this grace of God, I know this dream shall come to pass this year” he asserted
According to him, given his vast knowledge of the state coupled with his understanding of the workings of government, he is suited to take over the reins of government as next helmsman of the state as from November, this year.
Equally, Akinbade debunked the insinuations making the rounds in some quarters that he lacked the financial wherewithal to prosecute the coming election, noting that it was the handiwork of those afraid of political clout in the state.
“This is simply the handiwork of those afraid of me and that is only thing that have been using against me. I want to assure you all that for the coming election, I am more than ready on all fronts and God will see me through” Akinbade further assured.
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