…..Kicks against FG fixing minimum wage for State Workers
….As Ondo Govt Commemorates June 12 Democracy Day with Public Lecture,
….”President Tinubu Has Demonstrated Significant Courage” – Bashorun Arogbofa
The Ondo State Government on Monday marked the 2023 June 12 with a Public Lecture, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to celebrating the distinctiveness of Democracy Day.
The Public Lecture was held at the International Culture & Events Centre (DOME), Igbatoro, Road, Akure.
The event was organised by the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.
Earlier, the Guest Speaker who is also Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale who spoke on “Democracy, Development and Political Stability in Nigeria” talked on the ills of the Country as he brought out many salient issues bedeviled the Country.
Odebowale, said the disconnect between the people and those who claim to be their representatives has been deepened by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
He asserted that it will be difficult for a country as diverse as Nigeria to achieve progress with a unitary system of government in a democracy.
Odebowale said real development requires popular ownership and participation, adding that the idea of development must not be reduced to the issue of only brick and mortar.
The Guest Lecturer noted that deepening the inclusion of the people in the socio-economic activities of their respective areas will lead to stability in all spheres.
He said:”Real development requires popular ownership and participation. The idea of development must not be reduced to the issue of only brick and mortar.
“It must encapsulate the totality of the aspirations of the people towards advancement. The periodic elections held, successfully, to replace a set of oppressors by yet another cannot be the sole index of progress under this dispensation.
“Emphasis should shift from revenue allocation to generation. The federating units should be allowed to explore their areas of comparative advantage to develop their spaces at their own pace.
“The security architecture must be structured in accordance with the principles of federalism. There should be no single Police Command for the whole country. it makes our claims to federalism laughable.
“The challenges posed by insecurity will be addressed, adequately, if the issue of security is tackled at the local level.
“The judiciary may be one with respect to qualifications and training. Every State or geo-political zone may adopt the judicial system best suited for his socio-cultural environment.
“Let the Supreme Court handles cases on interpretation of statutes in matters involving the federating units and the Federal Government.
“Let every State determine its workforce and how it engages, sustains and/or dispenses with their services. The Federal Government should not fix salaries and wages for public officials serving the States.
“Let all the States control their resources and pay taxes to the Federal Government.
“The National and State Assemblies must enact laws which make Development Plan alterable only by legislation. They must criminalise the incidence of abandoned projects.
“Education should not be centralized as it is at present. The federating units reserve the right to also design their curricula of education at all levels.
“The regulatory role given to the Federal Government should not be an excuse for over-centralisation of the management of the sector.
“There should be cooperation among States in the same geo-political zone for socio-economic progress.
“Any State considered not viable should be willing to merge with others for advantage,” Odebowale said.
In his opening remarks, one of the advocate of June 12 and the Chairman of the event, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa OFR, said the election of June 12, 1993 was a watershed in Nigeria democratic journey as the election was adjudged to be the fairest and freest in the history of the country, as it was the Country’s bold attempt in resolving religion dichotomy and ethnic politics.
He said the symbol of that election, the Late MKO Abiola was a prepared President that never be.
Arogbofa, a former Afenifere General Secretary, also said there’s similarities between Abiola and Nigeria current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President Tinubu is highly prepared for the job as he pleaded for the support of all Nigerians in this new beginning.
Arogbofa said, ”Tinubu needs our cooperation. He has demonstrated enough courage. He has promised renewed hope and has demonstrated that he means business. He has the strength of character to do it. Let us rally round him.”
The Governor whose speech was read by the State Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa declared that, “a government can only be for the people if their aspirations, hopes and welfare are met and taken care of” .
Governor Akeredolu emphasized that, “Democracy, Development and Political stability in Nigeria reflect what a country could be” .
“A country cannot be called ‘democratic’ without demonstrating developmental imperatives which engender political stability” , he said.
The Governor applauded the country’s uninterrupted 24 years of democratic rule, revealing that investments flourish in a stable and conducive environment, while political stability scares foreign and local investors.
He said it is the duty of all Nigerians to contribute their individual quota in the deepening of our democratic values.
Governor Akeredolu also disclosed the hope of the State in the new awakening with the approval of Ondo Deep Sea Port which will serve as a major landmark achievement of his administration.
He equally saluted the courage and dedication of men and women in the Sunshine State for their unflinching support during the various elections by rooting for the candidates of All Progressives Congress, APC, as a way of appreciating the good governance in the State.
The Governor said as the country is marking this year Democracy Day, there was the need for deep reflection about the country’s democratic journey since 1999.
The well-attended event also has in attendance Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji who led other Congress members to the event, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun Odusola, Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff to Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, Ondo State APC Chairman represented by Hon Festus Aregbesola and members of Ondo State Executive Council.
Others are Deji of Akure and Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas represented by Oba Olujigba of Ijigba, HRH (Ambassador) Luyi Rotimi, Chief Imam of Akureland, Alhaji Abudhakeem Yayi Akorede, Venerable John Omotayo, Permanent Secretaries, Head and Members of Boards and Parastatals, Labour Leaders including the NLC Chairman, Victor Amoko; TUC Chairman, Clement Fatuase; the NUJ State Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite; June 12, 1993 Advocates, Heads of Security Agencies, some Secondary School Students amongst others.
