Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has saluted the people of the state for their courage, resilience and commitment to democracy despite the violence and challenges that surrounded the recent governorship election.
Adeleke gave the commendation in his state broadcast to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, describing the recent election as one of the toughest tests of the character and democratic spirit of the people.
The governor said Osun residents demonstrated an unwavering belief in democracy and the rule of law by refusing to resort to violence despite what he described as severe provocations.
“Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot,” Adeleke said, commending residents who trooped out to exercise their voting rights despite the difficult circumstances.
He said the people not only voted but also defended their votes, sometimes at great personal risk, describing their conduct as a demonstration of courage and patriotism.
According to him, the outcome and conduct of the election showed that Osun people remained committed to democratic values and had projected the state as a shining light for democratic practice in Nigeria.
Adeleke also acknowledged the pains and sacrifices suffered by residents in the aftermath of the election, particularly families who lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries.
He expressed sympathy with affected families, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The governor said the experience had further underscored the need to strengthen democracy, good governance and the rule of law in the state.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers of Osun State, saying the people had honoured their legacy by standing firmly for democratic principles despite hardship and provocation.
Adeleke, who said the people had again entrusted his administration with the leadership mandate, pledged to use the opportunity to heal the wounds, unite the people and promote equity and fairness.
“My people, as you have again conferred the leadership mandate on me under recent difficult circumstances, I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness,” he said.
He assured residents that his administration would remain inclusive and responsive to constructive criticism while pursuing policies aimed at accelerating the development of the state.
The governor said the government would build on its achievements in infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare, while giving special attention to youths, women and students.
He also pledged renewed efforts towards industrialisation, workers’ welfare, rural integrated development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
Adeleke said the administration would continue implementing its renewed five-point agenda in line with due process, procurement regulations and best practices in project execution.
He added that the government would further strengthen local content initiatives and deepen financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.
Addressing the issue of electoral violence, the governor announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the causes of the violence and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
He said the commission would receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the recent electoral violence.
The governor also disclosed the establishment of an election victim compensation fund, to be headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
According to him, the fund is designed to cushion the effects of the violence suffered by victims and affected families.
Adeleke urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning against reprisal attacks as the state moves beyond the recent political crisis.
“As we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, I urge all residents to be law abiding and avoid violence. We must not engage in reprisal attacks,” he said.
He called for the continued cooperation of the people in the task of building a more prosperous and united Osun State, assuring that his administration would work harder to deliver good governance.
He wished the people of Osun State a happy 35th anniversary and reaffirmed his commitment to the development and unity of the state.
