TheCable

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says his administration will continue to balance political appointments between Christians and Muslims.

The governor spoke on Sunday at the 1443/2021 Hijrah Luncheon in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Makinde said he was depressed by rumours that he delayed the appointment of Muslim judges.

He said: “One of the things they said, which got me depressed, is about the appointment of judges. They said Seyi Makinde does not like Muslims and that was why he delayed the approval of the documents of Muslims that were supposed to be judges.

“When we got into government, I deployed the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice to Education, but I will not say the reason I made such decision because the person is no longer with us again and won’t be able to defend himself. But the Chief Judge came to me and said I would have ended the career of the PS if I moved him to another Ministry. And that this person is who he thinks can become a judge. But I assured him that I was going to return him and I did.

“So, if I don’t want him to become a judge, I would not have taken such a step. What the Holy Bible teaches us is that it is only God that can tell when we will pass to the world beyond. This is why I laugh when some people come out and say that, in 2023, they want to become this and that, instead of requesting for long life and good health from God.

“I will continue to balance appointments between the Christians and Muslim faithful. I have reappointed seven commissioners and, for the remaining 10 commissioners, you can rest, assured that it will be a balanced appointment.”

Makinde admonished residents of the state to factor God into whatever they do, irrespective of the religion they practice.