Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that he endured sleepless nights during his first six months in office due to financial pressures facing the state.
He said the period before the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu was particularly difficult, noting that meeting basic obligations such as salary payments posed serious challenges.
“I spent six months in office before Asiwaju became president. During those six months, I never had a sound sleep,” the governor said.
As the end of every month approached, you had to rack your brain on how to meet obligations. I became friends with many bank managing directors, taking overdrafts from here and there just to pay salaries,” he added.
Oyebanji, however, stated that governance became less burdensome after Tinubu assumed office, attributing improved fiscal conditions in Ekiti to the president’s policies.
“Immediately Asiwaju became president, governance became easier for all of us. Every time I wake up, I go on my knees and thank God that I am a governor during this period,” he said.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti at the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) 2.0 Summit, the governor equally highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including road construction and the completion of the Ekiti airport, which he linked to increased federal support.
He also urged residents to mobilise voters ahead of the June 20 governorship election, stressing that politics should be conducted peacefully. “Our ambitions are not worth the blood of any Ekiti indigene. We will remain civil and focus on issues,” Oyebanji said.
