By Mumini AbdulKareem
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has reportedly postponed the
inauguration of his cabinet earlier expected to hold today (Monday),
this medium gathered, last night.
The postponement is coming on the back of a three day retreat held for
the Commissioners-designate and Special Advisers in Patigi, Kwara
North senatorial district, that terminated on Friday.
There were high expectations that the cabinet will be inaugurated
today, following several media reports and confirmation by members
of the cabinet.
However, it was learnt yesterday that Governor Abdulrazaq has finally
decided to postpone the inauguration.
The Governor’s media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye did not respond to call or
text message seeking clarification on the issue, last night.
But a “top” member of the yet to be inaugurated cabinet who only
agreed to speak on the issue without being quoted told this reporter
that the Governor has postponed the exercise for now.
He noted that although many of them have been told unofficially that
the inauguration has now been shifted to Wednesday, nothing is
official yet and considering the style of the Governor, it may even be
indefinite.
“No, there is no time for the inauguration yet. Yes, initially the
commissioners-designate were supposed to be sworn-in today but it was
decided that the Special Advisers should also be inaugurated with them
as they are all council members.
“The Special Advisers will commence documentation as from Monday
(today). So for now, all I know is that it has been postponed
indefinitely. They can now decide to call on us Wednesday or any other
day. That I can’t say, the source added.
Last Wednesday, the Governor in a statement by his Chief Press
Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye called on the commissioners-designate and
Special Advisers to make the required sacrifice in the task of
rebuilding the state during the retreat held at Ahman Patigi
University, aimed at preparing them for the task ahead.
According to the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Kayode
Alabi, “The objectives of the retreat are clear, unambiguous and
straight forward. It behoves on us all to participate effectively and
evolve plausible ideas that would help our administration to quickly
chart a course that would make the difference.
He said the retreat has been designed to sharpen the appointees and
place them on a better pedestal to impact positively on the people.
Abdulrazaq said the administration was elected to give Kwarans a new
lease of life, hope and take the state to the frontline position in
the country, urging the appointees to bring their experience and
expertise to bear as they assume duties.
He said: “I implore you all to continue meaningfully to enrich the
outcome of this retreat for the good of the greatest number of our
people whom we were elected to serve. Through this effort, we would
have proved beyond any reasonable doubts that we are up to the task
and prepares to face the obvious challenges of governance.”
The Governor asked the incoming cabinet members to reflect upon the
agenda articulated in his inaugural address, saying discussions at the
retreat would centre on the priorities, expectations and objectives of
the administration.
He said the retreat would adopt the policy thrusts of the government,
identify key strategic priorities as well as strategies to achieve
them, and review the draft four years rolling strategy plan for Kwara
State.
“Retreats of this nature are expected to give participants ample
opportunity to seriously reflect on the essence of governance and
evolve pragmatic vision that would not only stand the test of time but
which would be fully receptive to systematic implementation of
policies and programmes to make life more meaningful for our people,”
the Governor said.
The themes for the retreat included ‘Governance and Change; Building a
Culture of Growth and Learning; and Exploring Health and Wealth, among
others.
Apart from the commissioners-designate, Special Advisers and other
government functionaries such as Secretary to the Government, Prof
Mamman Saba Jibril; Chief of Staff to the Governor Aminu Logun; Head
of Service Mrs Modupe Oluwole; and Chairman of the Kwara State
Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) Mrs Folashade Omoniyi; also attended
the event.
