The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has pledged inclusive governance and called on residents to unite and focus on the development of the state, following the conclusion of the governorship election.
Govenror Adeleke made the call in Osogbo, the State capital, Southwest Nigeria on Wednesday, while speaking after receiving his Certificate of Return.
He described the occasion as “a renewed mandate to serve all residents of the state.”
Reconcilation
The Governor said that the election was over and it was now time for governance, reconciliation and development, assuring the people that his administration would remain committed to inclusive and accountable leadership.
“The election is over. The campaign is over. The contest is over. Now is the time to govern, unite, heal and build,” Governor Adeleke said.
He thanked those who voted for him and those who participated in the democratic process, irrespective of their choice of candidate.
The Osun Leader said; “To those who voted for me, I thank you. To those who voted for another candidate, I thank you for participating in our democracy. I remain Governor to all, and together we must place Osun State above politics.”
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Govenror Adeleke stated that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and economic development, with emphasis on accountability, inclusion and transparency.
Certificate of Return
He described the Certificate of Return not as a trophy or a weapon against political opponents, but as a renewed contract with the people of Osun State.
The Governor expressed concern over the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property recorded during the electoral process, saying no political office or ambition was worth the life of any citizen.
Scholarship
He announced that the Adeleke family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives during the election violence.
Govenror Adeleke also announced the establishment of a N500 million Election Violence Victims Endowment Fund to support verified victims and affected families.
He said a Verification and Relief Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Olumide Egbedun, would oversee the identification of victims and equitable distribution of assistance.
Governor Adeleke explained that “the intervention would be provided without discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status.”
He pledged to work harder and listen more as he begins another phase of his administration, urging residents to put politics aside and work together for the development of Osun State.
