Powerful politicians conspired to remove Oni as Ekiti gov – Ex-aide, Arowolaju

 A former Special Adviser and Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Bayo Arowolaju, has declared that ex-Governor Segun Oni surpassed other chief executives ever produced in the state in terms of performance.

Arowolaju described the event leading to Oni’s removal by the appeal court on October 15, 2010, as an alleged high-level conspiracy against him by powerful politicians.

Describing Oni as incurably committed to lifting Ekiti to an enviable point in development index, Arowolaju maintained that Oni won both the 2007 governorship election and 2009 rerun polls, contrary to the position canvassed by the then Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN).

Arowolaju, in his congratulatory message in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, commemorating Oni’s 67th birthday slated for September 5, 2021, revealed that the former governor’s performance triggered agitations by the Ekiti masses that he should vie for the 2022 governorship.

By his ouster, the former Director General, Ekiti State Due Process Office, said the foundation for probity, transparency and economic liberation Oni laid for the people was scuttled by ill-feelings orchestrated “by politics of bad-belle” .

“During the tenure of Governor Segun Oni, Ekiti State almost became an Eldorado. There were regular and full payments of salaries and allowances to workers, effected promotions, payment of gratuities and pensions to retirees, employment of 4,000 youth into the public service, financial autonomy to local governments, legislature and the judiciary.

“In the areas of education, students were given free lockers and benches in all schools, a school feeding system was initiated, scholarship for students to local and foreign higher institutions, supply of pipe borne water and improved electricity supply.

“Segun Oni’s road revolution programme, where 24 roads were constructed simultaneously opened up the state as major, minor and feeder roads were solidly captured and reconstructed. The programme provided succour to different segments of the people.

“Ekitis are still having the fond memories of a solid administration when health care services were not left behind, new hospitals and health centers were built throughout the state, world-class Cuban doctors’ staffed Ophthalmological Center was built and a Central Pharmaceutical store was established in the State hospital putting an end to sale of fake drugs”, Arowolaju said.

Ekiti 2022: Oni opposes zoning, says it will damage PDP’s chances

Arowolaju lamented that the orgy of insecurity in the facets of banditry, kidnappings and killings that were alien to Ekiti have now resurged due to alleged ill-preparedness of those at the helm of affairs.

“Our Obas are no longer safe in their palaces. Not only did private car owners become ready targeted victims, but commercial transport patrons also have become victims that their driver unions are now openly protesting their insecurities.

“Poor farmers were not left out of terrorism by Fulani herdsmen, all who have virtually taken over the state from the lawful authorities as members of the state executive council are no longer immune from this malady of insecurity. Peace, security and safety that were taken for granted when Segun Oni as Governor has now eluded Ekiti,” he said.

Arowolaju said the 2022 governorship poll presents a veritable opportunity for Ekiti masses to take their destiny in their hands and fight with their votes for a better alternative at the Primary and General Elections.

“After all, Japan, like Ekiti State has no drop of oil but quality brains like Ekiti people and they have succeeded and developed far more than some people with an ocean of oil. This had always been Oni’s belief and that he would achieve it if returned as Governor in 2022,” he said.

Oni was removed as the PDP governor of Ekiti State sequel to a petition filed by Governor Kayode Fayemi, the candidate of the ACN in the 2007 and 2009 main and rerun polls.