‘Your impact within this little time really count’— Oyo CAN stakeholders hail Bayo Lawal

….endorse Makinde for second term 

The Oyo State Chapter of the Stakeholders of Christian Association in Nigeria has lauded the virtues of Barrister Adebayo Abdul-raheem Lawal, the deputy governor of Oyo State, calling him a man of integrity, humility, and competence whose accomplishments during his brief tenure in office count. 

The stakeholders, led by its chairman, Apostle Col. Joshua Sola Akinyemiju, on Wednesday, stormed his office at the Agodi Secretariat to pay him a courtesy call and to pray for him and his principal, Seyi Makinde, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The CAN executive, which consists of 12 people, insisted that they cannot say they will not engage in politics because officials in charge are similar to ministers, and as citizens, they should be able to vote, be elected, but most importantly, to pray for the administration to lead them in the right direction. 

“Once again, we appreciate you for this honor in accepting us. We can’t go and visit the governor alone because we know that you are also a Co-pilot in Oyo state. We are confident that if we pray together, God will hear us. 

Another team member stated in his statement that the deputy governor has been in politics for a considerable amount of time and is a well-known person, adding that the position he holds now is not by chance but rather as a result of his numerous contributions and competence. 

He continued by saying that his accomplishments in such a short period of time have been able to speak volumes about his character, competence, and humility. He prayed that God would give him the strength and direction he needs to support the state’s pilot in this endeavor. 

The stakeholders prayed for further accomplishments, testimonies, and for the state to maintain the tranquility it has known under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership. 

As they promised to mobilize strongly for Seyi/Bayo joint ticket in 2023 since they have the right to vote and to be elected, they hoped that God’s mercy would speak for them. 

While expressing his gratitude for their prayers, the deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, said that God has enabled him to maintain a positive outlook since being appointed. He also said that he believes his contributions and impact have made it possible for CAN to pay the visit.

“We need prayer both when things are going badly and when they are going well in order to maintain the positive trend. 

“The right direction is timely that we are going to another election but there might be challenges because politics is rife with deceit and intrigues. 

“CAN is a physical body that cannot be wished away. I’m not sure because I don’t do statistics, but I’m certain that no government will claim it is not ready to listen to the CAN. 

Coincidentally, whether he is a Catholic or a redeem, our governor is a member of CAN and the most important stakeholder. And because we are Muslims, we cannot disregard your prayers.

Lawal who later recalled the experience he had some time ago when he handed over control of a mosque to someone for roughly 22 years and began praying for various governments that came to him, said he was able to understand that clergy are free to pray for anyone because what they pray for is peace and tranquility, and he believed that the CAN stakeholders also stand for peace, stability, and progress. 

He emphasized that he was aware that Governor Makinde has occasionally interacted with them in the past and promised that the government will do so again because prayer is so important. 

When things go awry or in another direction, you have been acting sincere roles as men of God. We will always need your prayers because you are the one who can set us on the right path. I also think that this administration is receptive to constructive criticism and ideas. 

“CAN stated that they would do nothing other than pray for the adversary to be vanquished during the challenges of bokko haram. Therefore, Oyo State’s only requirement for maintaining its reputation as one of the most peaceful states is prayer. 

“As a result of the calm environment, numerous Governors and other significant individuals from throughout the nation are present in Oyo State. 

“Once again, I thank you for the visit and we are happy that you have declared your support for the re-election of governor Seyi Makinde in the forthcoming 2023 general elections”, he said. 

In his remarks, revered Ogendengbe, the executive assistant to governor Seyi Makinde, noted that the relationship between the two parties had been friendly even before the inauguration of Makinde’s administration. 

He thanked the CAN for its support over the years and assured the association that the governor would be made aware of all of their demands. 

He equally thanked them for thinking it appropriate to pay him a courtesy call and for their support, noting the governor’s many accomplishments and the developmental strides in the state. 

He expressed the hope that the association would be able to support the governor and his deputy in the upcoming general elections in 2023. 

Senator Gbenga Babalola, who was present at the meeting, expressed appreciation to the CAN for the support it has provided over the past three years.