Advertisement

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, local government workers have reaffirmed their support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, pledging to deliver at least 200,000 votes for his re-election.

The workers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), made the commitment during the grand finale of the Ekiti State Local Government Mega Rally held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, the Ekiti State NULGE President, Mr. Oluseyi Olatunde, commended Governor Oyebanji for implementing reforms that have repositioned local government administration and improved the working environment for employees.

He noted that the governor’s interventions had restored efficiency and pride in the local government system, particularly through measures that strengthened leadership and career progression for workers.

Olatunde also praised the administration for appointing six local government staff members as Permanent Secretaries and others as Executive Secretaries, describing the move as a demonstration that competence and dedication are recognised and rewarded.

Advertisement

He assured the governor that local government workers and members of their households would vote massively to secure his return for a second term.

Responding, Governor Oyebanji thanked workers from the 16 local government areas for their continued support and confidence in his administration.

The governor said the achievements recorded during his first term were made possible by the dedication of public servants and pledged to provide more support to enable local government workers to perform effectively.

“Whatever we have achieved in the last three years and seven months, we can do more because the challenges we solved in our first term will not return in our second term. We will build on those gains,” he said.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation to NULGE for standing by his administration since inception, noting that their support reflected their belief in the sincerity and commitment of his government.

He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu in creating an enabling environment and providing resources that have supported development across states.

Also speaking, the National President of NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, represented by the union’s Southwest Vice President, Comrade Rufus Babalola, described Oyebanji as a visionary leader whose achievements in less than four years had transformed several sectors, particularly local government administration.

He commended the governor’s commitment to strengthening the local government system and prioritising workers’ welfare.

The rally was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Bejide, ALGON Chairman, Chief Oluwasegun Ojo, NLC Chairman, Comrade Kolapo Olusola, and other local government officials and workers.

Advertisement