The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the people of the state to mobilize and troop out peacefully to elect leaders of their choice in Saturday’s general elections.
In a pre-election statement he signed, Governor Adeleke described Saturday’s election as “a critical milestone in national democratic development of Nigeria in which all eligible citizens must actively participate to decide the future of the nation.”
“My good people of Osun State, the general election is here, and we have a patriotic duty to actively join the electioneering process. Your vote is your power and your ticket to securing good governance for yourselves and our future generation.
“Our government has declared today a public holiday. All eligible voters must take up their voting cards and get set for the historical elections tomorrow. The electoral authorities have provided an enabling environment for the conduct of free and fair elections. Security agencies have also mobilized to protect citizens as they exercise their constitutional rights,” the statement read in part.
Adeleke, who disclosed that he had instructed security chiefs in the state to arrest thugs wherever they may be, warned against electoral violence.
“Security agencies are under strict instruction to clamp down on hoodlums and agents of violence. I have equally instructed service commanders to arrest thugs wherever they may be. This election must be held under a peaceful atmosphere. Democracy is about choice, not killing and maiming,” he said.
He also urged Osun residents to maintain the state’s status as a peaceful state throughout this election period and beyond.