…Advocates Issue-based campaign ahead June 18 Election
The All Progressives Congress (APC), gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), has listed poverty eradication through boosting of the SMEs, prompt payment of salaries, provision of employment and security as part of his major priorities if he becomes Ekiti State Governor.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while playing host to a delegation from European Union, British and Canadian High Commissions, who were in Ekiti on a fact-finding mission ahead the June 18 gubernatorial election, Oyebanji, who shared copies of his manifestos with the visiting envoys, said he was committed to matching Ekiti growth with development as Governor.
Earlier, the Head of Political Section, British High Commission, Aneesah Islam, had informed Oyebanji that the purpose of the visit was to get first-hand information about the forthcoming election, from stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading political parties and their candidates, security bodies and the media.
She pointed out that their mission was to make sure the election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere, where the election umpire -INEC, the security bodies and observers would not be compromised.
While assuring the delegation that his party, the APC would do everything humanly possible, to make sure Ekiti records an incident-free election, Oyebanji said he had consistently urged his followers to avoid violent and hate speeches in the course of the electioneering.
“This meeting and timing of the visit are not only appropriate but would go a long way in shaping the view of Ekiti stakeholders on the need for peaceful election on June 18 because it has again confirmed that our dear state is under a global watch. However, as a progressive party that values the need for peace in Ekiti before, during and after the election, APC has consistently echoed the need for issue-based campaign and that was what we demonstrated when I public presented my manifestoe few weeks ago, which will serve as my bond with my people.
“Based on my knowledge of where the shoe pinches, I cleverly itemized our proposed programmes as Ekiti Governor. Personally too, I have said it over and over again that that I don’t pray for crisis because I want to be governor. To this end, I have urged my followers to shun violence and I have instructed my media team to avoid hate speech or react to any verbal or written attack against my person to avoid tension in the state,” Oyebanji said.
The APC Guber candidate also stated that, as governor, he would ensure that local content is given priority in public procurement as well as scaling up women participation in governance with 35% affirmation for them, through appointment and being encouraged to seek elective post, without necessarily compromising standard.
Raheem Akingbolu
Media Assistant
