Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has vowed not to be hesitant to break toes that debar the implementation of his programmes and plans of action targeted at the progress and prosperity of the state.

Makinde stated this resolve at an inter-religious service of the state government to usher in the new government, held at the state secretariat, Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday.

Describing the progress and prosperity of the state as non-negotiable, Makinde said he will not tolerate any albatross in his resolve to prioritise issues of security, expand the state’s economy, reduce government overheads, plug loopholes and engender the productiveness of all civil and public servants.

“When the Chief Imam was preaching, he urged me not to take decisions where I step on people’s toes.

“The progress and prosperity of Oyo State is not negotiable. I will break toes if they stand on the way to the progress of Oyo State,” Makinde said.

Touching on the payment of N30,000 as minimum wage, again, Makinde asserted desire of the state to be the first to pay above the national minimum wage.

He, however, said such development was dependent on the extent to which the state was productive, expanded its economy to increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as well as negotiations with the organised labour.

“I believe in true federalism. Indeed and again, you should hold me accountable. I believe Oyo will be the first state to break ranks on the issue of the national minimum wage.

“We will get out own minimum wage that will be over and above the minimum wage. But, this will be linked to how productive we are. We will expand our economy and the benefit will be for all,” he said.

Noting that he was not unaware of actions by the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi led government to circumvent stipulated rules, Makinde said he will go after infractions observed in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), towards the end of the last administration.

He, however, said such investigations would not deviate his government from his main focus to rapidly drive all resources towards the progress of the state.

Meanwhile, Makinde, while addressing reports of violence by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in some parts of Ibadan, the state capital, said he would meet with security agencies before the end of the day where far-reaching decisions will be taken.

“I was told that NURTW people are fighting at Beere, Ring Road and some other parts of Ibadan. I make a promise that security of Oyo state will be on the front burner.

“I have conveyed a security meeting for 4 p.m. and far-reaching decisions will be taken at the meeting,” Makinde said.

In her opening remarks, state Head of Service, Mrs. Ololade Agboola urged Makinde to attach great importance to staff motivation through training and retraining, accelerated promotion, the recommendation for improved efficiency.

She further decried staff deficit in MDAs, particularly the middle-class cadre, warning that such a yawning gap between the low and high cadre may affect seamless transition in the civil/public service.

Agboola further tasked the state’s workers on integrity, loyalty, accountability, honesty and commitment to the Makinde led government.

Both clerics who delivered sermons at the event, Alhaji Bello Rufai and Bishop David Moradeyo urged the Makinde government to govern with the fear of God. (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news