The governor of Oyo State, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that trade-offs and alignment will be his guiding principles to achieve sustained development in the state. He has described politics as a game of ideals and deep interests.
He also mentioned equity, fairness, and justice as crucial components of good governance, which he declared will always be the guiding principle of his administration.
The governor noted that genuine progress and advancement would remain a mirage without unity, particularly among political players.
Makinde made this statement in a June 15, 2023 newsletter signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor.
However, he challenged upcoming politicians to avoid antagonism and hate while embracing alignment when necessary to succeed in politics.
He stated: “Many people still think, in 2023, opposition politics is about hostility and perpetual enmity. It is not. This is one lesson that young people who want to go far in politics should learn quickly.”
He added, “After years of contesting and dropping elections, I realised that politics is a sport of ideas and deep pursuits. I additionally learnt that politics is about trade-offs. But once more, trade-offs ought to be based mostly on ideas.
“You acquire followership when individuals know what your ideas are. In a rustic reminiscent of Nigeria, the place political events should not be set on confirmed ideologies; it’s these ideas that can decide political trade-offs and alignments.
For me, these ideas are fairness, equity and justice. My help will go to anybody who subscribes to these ideas. It roes not matter whose ox is gored.
“We cannot advance in disunity. Trade-offs lead to progress. And so, this will continue to be our operating principle in Oyo State as we march towards sustainable development.”
He stated that competent individuals among his former advisers will be engaged to continue their service to the state while implying that required dialogue was occurring over the makeup of a new cabinet.
“Of course, I’ve additionally been busy consulting broadly to ensure I preserve my promise of getting a cupboard in place within the subsequent two months. I ask for your help and prayers as I make the choices to manoeuvre our pricey state.
As I have previously stated, those who served Oyo State well under Omituntun 1.0 will get a chance to continue their good work,” the governor stated.
Additionally, the governor pledged to implement new laws to promote private sector investment in Oyo State.