Prince Adeyinka Alli, a former gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti State representing the Action People’s Party (APP) in the 2022 elections, has criticized Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what he perceives as the excessive expansion of the state’s cabinet.
Alli expressed his discontent following reports of Governor Oyebanji’s recent appointments of an additional 150 individuals into various roles within the state government.
He described the appointments as a blatant misuse of resources, emphasizing that they do not serve the economic interests of the people of Ekiti State.
In a statement to journalists, Alli criticized the governor for prioritizing political appointments over meaningful development initiatives to lift the state out of poverty.
He argued that instead of surrounding himself with sycophants, Governor Oyebanji should focus on utilizing the substantial federal allocation received by the state to foster tangible progress and alleviate the plight of its residents.
Alli further contended that the recent appointments are purely political and do not address the pressing economic challenges of Ekiti State.
He questioned the rationale behind expanding the cabinet of a state grappling with economic stagnation and lamented the absence of initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and diversification.
Expressing concern over the state’s heavy reliance on federal allocations, Alli urged Governor Oyebanji to seize the opportunity presented by increased federal funding to implement impactful development projects and foster sustainable economic prosperity in Ekiti State.
He cautioned against the tendency of the government to focus on superficial achievements and symbolic gestures, urging Governor Oyebanji to prioritize pragmatic policies that would yield tangible benefits for the people of Ekiti.
Alli called on the governor to “redirect his administration’s efforts towards fostering genuine economic development and ensuring that the people’s interests remain at the forefront of governance decisions in Ekiti state.”
Meanwhile, the Ekiti government has announced the creation of the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (SERB) to supervise electricity-related issues and guarantee standards in the state’s various market segments.
This comes about as a result of the Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Act of 2023 being signed into law by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in October 2023.
A government statement issued in Ado-Ekiti stated that the Bureau will act as the highest authority on electrical regulation in the state.