Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pledged to heal divisions in the state and run an inclusive administration following the recent governorship election.
Adeleke made the pledge on Thursday in a state broadcast marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
The governor acknowledged the deaths, injuries and disruptions associated with the recent electoral crisis, saying the experience had tested the state’s democratic values.
He promised to uphold equity and fairness while paying greater attention to criticisms in the next phase of his administration.
“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,” Adeleke said.
“Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development.”
Adeleke also expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones or had relatives injured during the electoral crisis.
“I recognise the pains and sacrifices of our people in the last few months,” he said.
“We all recognise the unfortunate disruptions in our lives due to the recent governorship election. In many fora, I empathize with many families who lost loved ones. Your sacrifices and those of many who were injured will not go in vain.”
Adeleke announces inquiry, compensation fund
The governor announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the recent electoral violence.
According to him, the commission will receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the incidents and investigate the causes of the violence.
“Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memorandum from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence,” he said.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future.”
Adeleke also announced the creation of an election victim compensation fund, headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
He said the fund was established to cushion the impact of the violence on victims.
“This initiative is to cushion the effect of the recent needless violence,” he said.
The governor urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid reprisal attacks.
“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 added.
Adeleke praises voters
Adeleke commended Osun residents for turning out to vote despite the tense atmosphere surrounding the election.
He said voters demonstrated courage by choosing the ballot despite the violence.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The governor described the recent election as the toughest test of Osun’s identity since the state was created 35 years ago.
“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,” he said.
Governor promises more development
Adeleke also pledged to consolidate his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, digital economy, sports, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare.
He said youths, women and students would continue to receive special attention under his administration.
The governor further promised greater focus on industrialisation, workers’ welfare, rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
“We will continue to implement our renewed five point agenda within the compass of due process, procurement regulations and project implementation best practices,” Adeleke said.
“We will further refine the adoption of the local content model while expanding financial inclusion through cooperative sector financing.”
Adeleke called for continued support and cooperation from residents as the state marked its 35th anniversary, assuring them that his administration would work harder to deliver good governance.
