Oyebanji: I didn’t ask Ekiti LG chairmen to send N1m as Christmas gift

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has denied directing local government chairmen to deduct N1 million out of the money approved for Christmas celebration in the state.

Oyebanji said this at the opening of a three-day retreat for the newly inaugurated chairmen of local government councils in Ekiti State on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

The governor said: “Sometime around December 2023, I learned local government officials in each of the councils deducted N1 million out of the money approved for Christmas celebration and claimed they wanted to give it to me.

“I didn’t ask anybody to deduct any money for me. This might be true and it might not be true. If it was true, I didn’t get any money.

“Let me be clear I didn’t ask anybody to bring any money to me. And I didn’t collect any money. Henceforth, when you hear something of this nature, quickly contact me.

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“Nobody should use my name for any fraudulent thing. I have made a covenant with God that such won’t happen under me.

“I am not going to touch your money, but I won’t allow you to spend it recklessly. Remember that humility in power is not a weakness, but a virtue.”

Oyebanji, however, urged the council bosses to undertake projects that are 21st century compliant to reduce poverty, unemployment, and solve most challenges associated with the local communities.

He said: “What I have noticed is that our people are stereotyped about local government system.

“This time, I don’t expect you to be buying rechargeable light that will be dead tomorrow or build markets that nobody will use.

“Nothing stops the LG from providing electricity for a town that has not enjoyed light for 10 years, because light is catalytic.

“I closed my eyes to some things done under the last LG administration to avoid rancour, but for you, we are in the same boat together.

“I can hold you accountable for any of your actions.”

The Star