Mum On Fayemi, Gov Oyebanji Explains Silence On Ekiti Assembly Crisis

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers affirming that he did not interfere in the crisis that recently engulfed the State Assembly nor had a preferred candidate for any leadership position of the House.

The Governor, who stated this on Tuesday when the new Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly was officially presented to him by the  APC leadership in the state led by the party chairman, Barr. Paul Omotoso at the Governor’s office, noted that it was inappropriate for him to meddle with the activities of the Legislators, adding that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring protection of lives and property.

He spoke against the assertions of the claim by the former speaker, — that the crisis in the Ekiti House of Assembly was sparked by the interference of the immediate past governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Governor Oyebanji was, however, mum on the issue.

Mr Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the APC in the state for resolving the family disagreement saying it was not a crisis because democracy comes with strains and stresses as well as internal mechanism for resolving them which, according to him, the party has used effectively.

Governor Oyebanji commended  members of the Ekiti House of Assembly for demonstrating that the confidence their constituents and the leadership of the party reposed in them was not misplaced in the midst of the crisis, assuring them of government support at all times.

The Governor used the opportunity to remind the new Speaker of the budget that was still with the House of Assembly appealing for speedy passage of the bill.

“I refused from day one to be drawn into it simply because I swore to an oath to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The constitution is clear of the powers and functions of all the arms of government. I am leading the executive arm of government, they don’t interfere in what I do and it will be wrong and a violation of the constitution for me to interfere in what is going on in the House of Assembly.

“And Madam Speaker, our budget is before the House of Assembly and we are working so hard to ensure that we deliver on our promises to Ekiti people but we cannot violate extant rules and regulation. I am appealing for a speedy passage of the budget.

Earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bunmi Adelugba noted that there was no rancour within the state House of Assembly and expressed her appreciation to the party chairman for the role he played in ensuring that the party decisions were adhered to.

While appreciating Governor Oyebanji for not interfering in the crisis in the Ekiti Assembly, the new Speaker pledged the unflinching support and allegiance of the entire members of the House to the party as well as continue to support the Governor and the government of the state to move the state forward to achieve the laudable promises made to the people.

She promised to ensure speedy passage of 2023 appropriation bill.

Formally presenting the new Speaker to the Governor, the Chairman of the party, Barr. Paul Omotoso revealed that the Governor blatantly refused to meddle with the affairs of the House because of the fact that he had no choice candidate among the members saying it was strictly party affairs.

The meeting also had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro; Chairman of APC in the state, Barr. Paul Omotoso and his state exco;  members of the State Executive Council; 18 members of the State House of Assembly and APC Chairmen of the 16 local government areas.

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