Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has praised residents for demonstrating courage and commitment to democracy during the recent governorship election.
According to Osun LG Voice, Adeleke made the remarks in a statewide broadcast marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
He said the recent poll was the toughest test of Osun’s identity since its creation, noting that residents remained committed to democracy and the rule of law despite what he described as a reign of terror.
According to him, voters trooped out in large numbers to exercise their rights, rejected violence and embraced the ballot, with some going as far as defending their votes despite the risks to their lives.
“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,” he said.
Adeleke acknowledged the deaths and injuries recorded during the election period and sympathised with affected families, assuring them that the sacrifices of those killed or injured would not be in vain.
“I promise to heal the wounds, unite the people and uphold equity and fairness. Our administration will be all inclusive and attentive to criticisms in our bid to strengthen state development,” he said.
The governor also announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry into election violence, saying the body would receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the violence, identify its causes and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
He further disclosed the establishment of an election victim compensation fund headed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, to ease the impact of the violence.
Adeleke said his administration would build on its achievements in infrastructure, digital economy, sports development, agricultural mechanisation, education and healthcare expansion.
He added that youths, women and students would continue to receive special attention, while the government would pursue industrialisation, rural development, ease of doing business, wealth creation and deeper anti-poverty initiatives.
The governor urged residents to remain law-abiding and avoid retaliatory attacks, stressing the need for peace as the state moves forward.
He called for continued cooperation from the people of Osun, saying his administration would work harder to deliver good governance and further advance the development of the state.
