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Details of the meeting between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and givernor-elect, Seyi Makinde, have emerged. The outgoing and incoming governors alongside members of their team met at the Government House on Thursday.
During the meeting, Makinde pointed to the importance of tapping from the experience of Ajimobi in governance, as well as working together towards having a prosperous state where fairness, justice and equity reigns.
Makinde claimed that following his election as governor, political exchanges with the incumbent had to take the back seat and that the business of governance had to be on the front burner.
In addition, he prayed that Ajimobi made the transition process smooth.
His words: “Electioneering is over, there were certain things we said during the process that is political talk. Now, it is time for serious business.
“I want to give the assurance that our state is dear to all of us hence we threw our hat in the ring. You have done your part for the state and you have tried your best.
“If you remember we once had a meeting and I said I will like to share in your vision if you were going to hand over to me. Here we are and the position remains the same. We need to have a shared vision of how we want our state to develop.
“I have come to let you know that I want us to make the transition as smooth as possible and to give the people the assurance that we have the same vision which is to see the prosperity of Oyo State.”
In his remarks, Governor Ajimobi admonished Makinde to be wary of praise singers, avoid acrimony and leverage on rather than destroy relationships.
In forming his cabinet, Ajimobi charged Makinde to look out for people of quality that can add value to governance, even if they are not PDP members.
Speaking further, Ajimobi urged Makinde to take note of individuals and groups with tendencies to instigate trouble around the state, adding that people usually fight back when change is being introduced.
While noting that their leadership styles may be different from each other’s, Ajimobi urged Makinde to leverage on the existing achievements especially in the area of maintaining peace, security and infrastructural development.
The governor said he is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve ‘humanity’ for eight years and will be ready to offer advice if Makinde seeks it.
“In Oyo State, we have done our own best, we have at least made sure we have security, so sustain it. Don’t allow the tendencies of the past to creep in, particularly NURTW and other known troublemakers. Beware of them.
“We will be available to you should you need advice. In areas we have done well, improve on it; and in areas we have not done well, look at those areas and make improvements.
“People will resist change but if we don’t make those changes, things won’t improve. And when you step on toes, the toes will kick back. Whatever we do, we must be ready for kickbacks.
“You deserve the victory regardless of whatever means people say your party deployed. The point is that you won.
“Above all, beware of praise singers, some people will tell you that you must do this and that; avoid acrimony, as it is always better to leverage on a relationship than destroy the relationship. And, focus on the job,” Ajimobi said.
Makinde was accompanied on the visit by his deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyo State, Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha; spokesperson, Seyi Makinde Campaign Organisation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade; Director General of the campaign organisation, Mr. Bayo Lawal; the owner of Jogor center, Mr Femi Babalola; former Senate deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Hosea Agboola and other PDP members.