Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, said that he was ready to make the difference in Oyo State where, according to him, no governor has handed over to the successor, since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
This is just as he called on leaders in the country to make it a priority to end crisis of division among the Nigerians.
Makinde also said that Nigeria needs to reconcile with the rest of the world.
The governor, according to a statement, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, made disclosed this at the inauguration and commencement of duty service of the 8th President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, held at All Saints Chapel, C.A.C. General Secretariat, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Makinde recounted that in 2003, Governor Lam Adesina did not attend the handing over ceremony of his successor, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja; the latter did not also attend the inauguration of his successor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, even as Akala didn’t attend the inauguration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who also refused to hand over to the incumbent, Governor Seyi Makinde.
He pledged to be the first governor to do the handover to his successor in the state.
“In the message of the vice president, he said we politicians need to learn how to conduct rancour-free elections. I think it is not just about elections. We have something to learn about even handing over power and making proclamation and ensuring continuity.
“When we started the democracy we are now enjoying in Oyo State, if you look at all the past governors, none of them has handed over to the successor.
“From Alhaji Lam Adesina to Baba Ladoja, there was no handing over. From Baba Ladoja to Governor Akala, no handing over. From Governor Akala to Governor Ajimobi, there was no handing over. From Ajimobi to me, no hand over.
“But because we are having a new beginning, and as I am standing on the altar of the Almighty, I will be the first governor to hand over to a successor in Oyo State.”
He, however, enjoined all politicians to learn from the transition model of the Christ Apostolic Church, which, he said, is rancour-free and encourages peaceful handing over of power.
Makinde appreciated the leadership of the Christ Apostolic Church for managing the affairs of the Church, praying that God will continue to be with the Church.
In his own remarks, the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, represented by the Aso Rock Chaplain, Rev.Seyi Malomo, commended the Christ Apostolic Church for the smooth process that brought about the inauguration of the 8th President, adding that this is the way it should be.
He said: “I want to commend the Christ Apostolic Church for the smooth process, which has brought the inauguration of the president because this is the way it should be. “Certainly, there is a lot for politicians to learn from the church on how to conduct elections without rancor.
“My prayer for the new president is that his tenure will record greater success in Jesus name.”
The VP added that: “The anointing of God in this church has made it such that the humblest of men, even the least educated, can bring the good news of delivering the oppressed from unseen spirit and even raising the dead.
“Apostle Ayo Babalola remains a testament to this fact.”
