- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured non-indigenes resident in Ekiti that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s government won’t sideline them on account of ethnicity or religious sentiment.
Mrs Afuye said Governor Oyebanji has factored them as strategic partners into his policy thrust, assuring that no dividend of democracy would be allowed to elude them as benefit accruing to indigenes shall be extended to all residents across board.
The Deputy Governor, gave the assurance at Shasha Market in Ikere- Ekiti, on Monday, while distributing palliatives to members of the Hausa community resident in the area to show solidarity as Ramadan fasting is wrapping up.
Addressing the Hausa traders domiciled in the area, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, described Oyebanji as a lover of all Ekiti residents, regardless of ethnicity, religion and political biases.
She urged the Hausa traders to continually support the government to ensure security of lives of property of all residents, by collaborating with the authorities to rid the state of evil doers .
Mrs Afuye stressed the imperative of all non-indigenes perceiving Oyebanji’s government as theirs, saying unwarranted biases for ethnicity and religion won’t help the nation, but would exacerbate the already tensed situation.
Congratulating the Muslims for successful holding of the 30 days of Ramadan fasting, the Deputy Governor, urged the Muslim Ummah to replicate the culture of sacrifices, love, togetherness and piety demonstrated during the holy month in their daily activities, to entrench honesty and unity in the system.
“Let me on behalf of our Governor, Biodun Oyebanji congratulate you on the successful holding of the Ramadan fasting. What is most important to us as a government is you replicating the lessons learnt during this period in your daily activities, so that our nation can develop.
“Let me assure you that this government under Governor Oyebanji sees every resident as one. Whether you are from.the North or South, East or West, it is one big Nigeria. We are one family. We will continue to treat you as strategic partners in the development of this state.
“What the government is doing today indicates that we recognise Ramadan as a strong and strategic pillar of Islam. It also goes to show that the current government has no propensity for ethnic or religious bias, we are for all the residents.
“I want to appeal to you, don’t keep quiet to evils. Join our peace loving governor to fight vandalism and insecurity if you see anyone trying to cause unnecessary violence or a breach of our security and peace, you can tell your leaders, they know how to inform the authorities for proper actions.
“These palliatives we are distributing to you today confirmed that we care about you. It shows that we perceive you as part of Ekiti, so continue to do your legitimate businesses here and make contributions that can help our government”, she advised.
Mrs Afuye promised that the governor would soon accede to the request of the community on the construction of the major road that connects the market to Ado-Ikere-Akure highway to ease transpiration along that axis.
Applauding the government for the gesture, the leader of Hausa community in Shasha Market, Alhaji Musa Abduhameed Yaro, described Oyebanji and his deputy as God- fearing and caring leaders, who have been faithful to Hausa community in the state.
Alhaji Yaro pledged the loyalty and support of his people to Governor Oyebanji’s administration for his recognition and care for members.
The Sarkin Hausa, said his members shall replicate the gesture, by backing the government to be able to deliver on its promises to the citizens of the state.
