By Ola Ajayi

When Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State got a second term  mandate to lead the Pacesetter State, the thinking of most people who served in his cabinet during the first four years was probably that it’s enjoyment galore for the next four years. They might think that after about a month, the governor would form his cabinet. But, they are in for a big surprise. Unlike the first term when the nomination was not delayed,  eight months have rolled by and the governor is yet to make any announcement on those that will form his cabinet.

It was widely rumoured in August last year that the list would be made public  but it never came. The story did not change in September, October, November, December and January. While the people of the state are at a loss, numerous party members who are waiting on the governor are saying the delay is too cold for comfort. The governor’s die-hard supporters and former aides are still in limbo.

Greener pastures

They are not sure what the future holds for them . The waiting game that started since June still continues. While some of them still hang on the governor for re-consideration, others who could read the mien of the governor have gone elsewhere for greener pastures knowing fully well that the ‘honey well’ has dried up. The delay is a bitter pill to swallow for thousands of his party members and former aides.

Some of them who spoke with South West Voice on condition of anonymity lamented bitterly that silence of the governor on the announcement of nominees has caused great discomfort for most of the All Progressives Congress, APC, members. One of them said,” We don’t know what is happening now. Since we finished election, the governor has not uttered a statement on it.  Things are extremely difficult for us. We can’t say precisely what is happening. “

“We hear that the governor is trying to toe the line of his counterpart in Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola.” Some of them link the delay to the current financial drought in the state which has made it difficult for the governor to pay salaries of workers regularly. However, some greater percentage alleged that a woman permanent secretary is wielding too much influence on the governor. They finger the permanent  secretary in some decisions the governor took recently including the issue that arose over the promotion of some Ibadan chiefs.

According to the source, since the permanent secretary who is not an Ibadan indigene was appointed, she has been giving a whole load of bad  advice  to the governor.

Second term ticket

Another person said that Governor Ajimobi they knew during the first tenure is not the same one now. Justifying his stance, he said, in the first term, the governor was looking forward to securing a second term ticket and he was carefully treading with caution. “But  now, he doesn’t owe allegiance to anyone. There is no third term ticket. So, what do you think he loses now. Nothing,” he said.

Apparently trying to cut his coat according to his size, Governor Ajimobi who has been struggling to pay workers’ salaries since last year said at an annual interfaith thanksgiving service attended by several workers that he was yet to pay his media team he appointed about five months ago adding that his secretary to the state government  was yet to be issued appointment letter.

On the effects of the delay on the people of the state, Mr. Solatide Adeoye, who refused to disclose his full identity, said, “if you look at the cascading effect of the delay, it is not good for the economy of the state. The governor explained how he intended to increase his internally generated revenue, how will he actualise this without competent lieutenants to work with him. To, me, things are at a standstill until the governor forms his cabinet.”

As for Sumbo Ojulari, a trader, it doesn’t make any difference to her  if the governor forms a  cabinet or not. “What we are saying is that we should make more sales. What is my business about that. Does that translate to food on my table or pay my children’s school fees?” Speaking on the issue, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka said people should be patient as consultations are on and very soon everything will be made public.

South West Voice gathered that the governor carried the leadership of the party along this time around unlike the first term when nomination was made without due consultation. When called to speak on the issue of the level of involvement of the party, the state Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke said, “why don’t you wait till when the list is out to know whether the party was carried along or not.”