Osun@35: Adeleke Praises Osun Voters For Defending Their Votes

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the people of the state for their resilience and courage during the August 15 governorship election, describing the poll as the toughest test of the state’s identity and democratic practice in 35 years.

Adeleke gave the commendation in a broadcast on Thursday to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.

The governor acknowledged the difficulties and sacrifices experienced by residents in the months surrounding the election, including the loss of lives and injuries suffered by some residents.

“It is with deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that I address you on this occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear state. When I look back and review the past and recent developments, I cannot but applaud the commitment and unrivalled passion of our people for the growth and development of Osun State.

“I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months. We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathise with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.

“My people, you demonstrated tenacious belief in democracy and the rule of law. For over two years now, you complied with my admonition not to take laws into your own hands. Even in the face of the worst form of provocations, you endured the gruesome unleashing of violence without fighting back,” he stated.

Adeleke said residents demonstrated their commitment to democracy by turning out in large numbers to cast their votes despite the security concerns surrounding the election.

He added, “On the day of election, you trooped out en masse to exercise your voting rights. You did so with candour and fearlessness. Amidst reign of terror, you rejected the guns and embraced the ballot. As true sons and daughters of the source, you not only voted but you defended your votes even at personal risk to your lives. Again, I doff my cap for your courage and patriotism.

“Of all developments in the last 35 years of the creation of our dear state, this last state election stands out as the toughest test of who we are as a people. By your conduct and the outcome of the polls, Osun people demonstrated to the world that we are indeed the cradle of the Yoruba race, that we are people of valour and integrity. Nationally, my people have emerged as a shining light for democratic practice.”

The governor said the events surrounding the election represented not only a defence of democracy but also a defence of good governance and the rule of law.

Adeleke pledged to heal the wounds created by the recent political contest, unite residents and ensure fairness and equity in the administration of the state.

He said his administration would build on its achievements in infrastructure, digital economy, sports, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare, while giving special attention to youths, women and students.

“We will build on our achievements on state infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion. The youth, women and students will continue to receive special attention.

“We will expand industrialisation within the scope of workers’ welfare. Our state will witness particular attention to rural integrated development alongside a renewed focus on ease of doing business. We will focus more on creating wealth and deepening anti- poverty initiatives.

“We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices. We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing,” he said.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and avoid reprisal attacks over issues arising from the election.

“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. On this anniversary day, we have a lot to be proud of despite our challenges. I seek your continued cooperation to further deliver good governance. I will work harder never to disappoint you, the great people of Osun state,” Adeleke stated.

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