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Oyo State deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, has urged journalists in the state to criticise the present administration constructively in case there are any lapses in government in order to make amendment can be made.
Olaniyan, who stated this while hosting members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, led by Comrade Ademola Babalola, to Iftar(breaking of fast) ceremony at his residence, on Saturday, added that Governor Seyi Makinde is trying his best for the betterment of the state.
He said: “Don’t crucify us, criticise us constructively so that we can make an amendment; many things would have gone wrong if journalists are not available to be the watchdog of the society.”
The deputy governor lauded the effort of journalists towards the betterment of society, saying that the role of journalists is crucial towards the development of the nation.
Olaniyan also revealed how the emergence of the present administration in the state led by Makinde remained a mystery to some people, particularly the opposition parties.
He stated that prior to the 2019 governorship election in the state, nobody could believe that he and his principal could win the election, adding that their victory came as a surprise to members of the opposition parties.
“They told us that we never held any political office before, so it will be difficult for us to win the election, I told them that they are going to see a surprise, and the surprise eventually happened when we won.
“I have been in public service for over 28 years, I have different experiences, and all these experiences I garnered in 28 years have gone beyond politics,” he said.
Speaking, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Babalola, thanked the deputy governor for his support and kindness towards journalists in the state, saying that Olaniyan remains one of the pillars of the union.