Makinde Challenges President Tinubu Says ‘Why Not Hand Over To Your Vice When You’re Away’? Governor Resumes Office, Extends Oyo Workers’ Palliative
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emulate Oyo State in complying with constitutional provisions on the transfer of power whenever the President is away from the country or temporarily unable to discharge his official duties.
Makinde made the challenge on Friday when he officially resumed duty at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, after his annual leave, during which his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, served as Acting Governor.
The Oyo State House of Assembly had earlier approved Makinde’s request to proceed on annual leave, with Lawal authorised to oversee the affairs of the state during his absence.
Addressing civil servants and public servants who welcomed him back to office, Makinde said his administration had demonstrated that constitutional provisions could be followed by ensuring a seamless transfer of executive responsibilities to the deputy governor whenever the governor was away.
The governor then questioned why the same principle should not apply at the federal level whenever the President is outside the country or otherwise unavailable to personally discharge the functions of his office.
According to Makinde, “We have demonstrated here in Oyo State that when a governor is not around, he should follow the Constitution and hand over to his deputy.”
He added: “So, I challenge Mr President, why can’t you also do the same whenever you are out of the country or you are not around? Follow the Constitution and hand over to your Vice-President.”
Makinde said the practice would ensure continuity in governance and remove any uncertainty over who is constitutionally responsible for running government whenever the chief executive is unavailable.
He said, “If the governor is not around, the deputy governor should be there to act. That is what we have done here in Oyo State and there is nothing wrong with following the Constitution.”
The governor’s remarks came as he returned to the administration of the state following more than a month away from his official duties, with his deputy having overseen the government during the period.
Makinde also announced an extension of the palliative measures being provided to workers in the state, citing the prevailing economic difficulties confronting residents.
He said, “Because of the economic challenges we are facing in the country and in Oyo State, the subsidy assistance we are giving to our civil servants will continue.”
The governor further announced that the wage award being received by workers in the state would be extended for another three months as part of measures to cushion the impact of the economic situation.
According to him, “The wage award will also be extended for another three months because we know that things are still difficult and we need to continue to support our workers.”
Makinde said the decision was intended to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges on workers and residents of the state.
The governor’s return to office formally ends the period during which Lawal served as Acting Governor and restores Makinde to the day-to-day leadership of the state.