Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Monday presided over the swearing-in of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), with a charge to them to develop new socio-political skills and emotional intelligence to cope with the pressure associated with their respective offices.
The governor who said the two officials were appointed based on their rich credentials and experiences, restated his promise to get very competent Ekiti indigenes wherever they are to man strategic positions in his administration.
He also debunked insinuations in some quarters that he was under pressure by the immediate past Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and former Deputy Governor to appoint their cronies into his cabinet.
Oyebanji said he had promised the people of the state that members of his cabinet would be the best set of individuals that would assist him in managing the affairs of Ekiti in a manner that would bring about the fulfilment of his electoral promises to the people of the State.
According to him, “While I recognize the right of people to freedom of expression, I also have the right to respond to the fake news being circulated on social media. Having listened to the CVs of the two appointees, you will discover that they got this job clearly on merit. My promise to Ekiti people is that I am going to look for the best anywhere to help me run Ekiti and that is what we are going to do.
“We are not going to be distracted as long as we are doing what is right in the interest of our people. But, I need to put it on record that neither the former Governor nor his wife, nor the former deputy Governor has put any pressure on me to appoint anybody. But if I have to go back to his former cabinet and appoint relevant people that can assist me, I will go and pick them.”
Expressing confidence in the professionalism and competence of Dr Adubiaro to serve in the capacity of Secretary to the State Government, Governor Oyebanji stated that her appointment was in consonance with his administration’s commitment to gender balance, affirmative action and equity.
The Governor further charged the duo to develop a robust policy engagement platform where policy stakeholders can learn, interact, engage, review and evaluate government plans and programme from time to time to achieve the overall objectives of his administration.
“As you assume office, you need to learn fast on the job and familiarize yourself with the function of your respective offices, you must also acquaint yourself with the manifestoes that earn us the mandate of the good people of Ekiti State and to understand the direction of policies and programmes of this administration.
“Similarly you must pay attention to the political environment under which we operate and apprise yourself to its uniqueness and idiosyncrasies. As top government functionaries, you will expectedly come under intense pressure. You, however, need to develop the right socio political skills and emotional intelligence to manage pressure with firmness and magnanimity.”
Responding on behalf of the duo, Apata assured the Governor that they would live a life of dedication, commitment, integrity, loyalty in discharging their responsibilities.
Expressing gratitude to the Governor for the appointment, Barrister Apata said they would key into the vision and mission of his administration and also add value to the progress of the State.
The new SSG, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, who holds a doctorate degree in Chemistry, was formerly Vice Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University, Oye (FUOYE) Chapter; while Apata was a former Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Ekiti State First lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon Hakeem Jamiu; traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Council and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon; Wife of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Eyesorun Abosede Adejugbe; Ekiti State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Barr Paul Omotosho, Permanent Secretaries, top Government Functionaries, clerics, among others.