OSUN DECIDES: Candidates Talk Tough, Unveil Plans For State

FRONTLINE candidates in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun, yesterday, talked tough about their chances of winning the poll and unveiled what they would do for the state, if elected.

Speaking separately at Arise Townhall Meeting in Osogbo, the candidates, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord; Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of All Progressives Congress, APC; Dr Najeem Salaam of African Democratic Congress, ADC; and Olajide Esan of African Action Congress, AAC, said they would win if the poll was free and fair.

I’m a bulldozer, not afraid of federal power, govs backing APC candidate — Adeleke

Governor Adeleke, who was the first to speak, declared that he was not intimidated by the support of the Federal Government and some APC governors for Oyebamiji.

He described himself as a “bulldozer,” saying he was prepared to face ‘federal might’ and the influence of governors backing his opponent.

“I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” Adeleke said.

He said the governors were his friends and expressed confidence that their presence in Osun would not determine the outcome of the election.

“Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,” he said.

“I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.

He expressed confidence in his re-election, saying the achievements of his administration in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture among others would speak for him at the polls.

The governor said his administration had constructed about 350 kilometres of roads, with another 160 kilometres under construction, adding that several roads abandoned for decades had also been completed.

He said: “I promised my people of Osun State that I would govern with the fear of God and bring home what is called the dividends of democracy. Our work speaks for itself.

Adeleke also highlighted his administration’s intervention in healthcare, saying about 200 health centres had been rehabilitated and equipped with beds, solar lights and other facilities.

“When I came in, I went around all our health centres. I said this is not acceptable. As of today, we have fixed about 200 healthcare centres. We put poles, solar lights, beds and everything is looking so beautiful,” he said.

On agriculture, the governor said his administration had purchased 31 tractors and provided seedlings and other inputs to farmers to boost agricultural production.

He dismissed allegations by the APC, that some roads constructed by his administration were substandard, describing the criticism as propaganda.

“I am a very prudent person and a very serious person. Nobody will stop me from dancing. As I am dancing, I am working. Dancing is a hobby that doesn’t disturb or affect my work.

“Go and fact-check it. You will know how much I’ve done,” he said.

On security, Adeleke said his administration had recruited and trained more than 1,500 personnel for the Amotekun security outfit, adding that they were trained by retired military and police officers and deployed to their respective local government areas.

He also denied ordering the alleged militarisation of the state ahead of the election.

Adeleke urged voters to remain peaceful and protect their votes, saying

“I am always preaching free and fair elections because I know what is called democracy. It is the people. It is the Osun people that will decide.”

“My people, this election is going to be a free and fair election. No violence. When you vote, stay and make sure your vote is counted. Follow your vote from the unit to the collation centre.”

On state police, Adeleke said he supported the initiative and would ensure it operated within the law.

“I am not going to bend for anybody. I believe in the rule of law,” he said.