Osun 2022: Accountability And Good Governance Is Your Right – ODA Chairman
…as Osun NIPR, INEC, NYCN, Partners Advocate Peace Towards Hitch-Free Election
By Abisola Ariwodola
Electorates in Osun state have been urged to demand accountability and good governance from elected representatives in government, an important role described as part of their Civic Rights as citizens of the state.
This is as the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations NIPR, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Osun, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun Muslim Community, and Christian Association of Nigeria among others partners ahead of the July 16, 2022 governorship election met candidates contesting the election to ensure peace and tranquility before, during and after the election.
The Chairman Osun Development Association ODA, Dr. Segun Aina, while speaking at the OMOLUABI CONVERGENCE programme organised by Osun NIPR, in conjunction with ODA, held at Adolak Event Center, Osogbo, said as voters who determine who rules them, they must not be taken aback in asking questions from whoever emerges, as the next Governor f the state.
At the program themed: “Osun 2022: A State, Its Politics, Its Economy and its Image: Sustaining Our Values Beyond Elections”, Dr. Aina also charged the electorates not to lose their lives in the process of supporting a politician during the electoral process.
The ODA Chairman added that it is the duty of everyone in the state to be involved in the electoral process, stressing that the kind of leadership and governance that will take Osun state to the next level, is why the organisations came together to chart the course, starting with those intending to lead the state.
He said: “Peace and development is important, but it can not be achieved if there is insecurity. I urge everyone to play their parts adequately, while I charge the candidates to ensure their programmes are development oriented and that they fulfill the promises in their manifesto to the citizens.
“Osun people should choose the best candidate who can develop the state beyond 2022. It is the duty of those aspiring to rule the state, to lead with focused mindset, because the society can only get better if it has good leadership. The Youths must also take their position as future leaders.”
The keynote Speaker, Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor AbdulGaniy Raji, pointed out that poverty is one of the major reasons people sell their votes, urging the gubernatorial candidates to shun vote buying just as he advised electorates not to sell their votes.
The INEC boss said the country is blessed with various cash crops that can be invested into and made into production industries for small scale businesses, which successive government over the years, have been unable to tap into hampering the mass industrial production of money spinning centres in Kolanut, Palm Oil, Groundnut production, among others.
According to him, “Fifty percent of the trees in the south west are palm trees and they have been neglected. They need attention, re-plant them. It will be a good idea if the economy is viable thereby empowering the electorates and this will rule out vote buying or selling. When the people are empowered, they will remember the enabler and you won’t need to buy votes from them.”
The Osun REC also pointed out that the government needs to put in place realistic policies that will benefit the people.
Professor Raji maintained that women and youths have power of votes more than the men, urging them to troop out en-masse to vote on election Day. He also revealed that the Youths, have the highest number of 75% in the INEC register, stressing that they must take their destiny in their hands.
He charged the governorship candidates to follow due process, and avoid inciting their followers against their opponents, before, during and after the election.
The National President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo said the Institute as the umbrella body of image makers want political gladiators in Osun to maintain the peaceful atmosphere the state is reputed for during and after the election, saying “as Osun people are going to vote on July 16 for their choice governor, the candidates must ensure that they do not destroy the existing peace in the state.”
Corroborating earlier speakers, the Osun Commissioner of Police, Mr Olawale Olokode urged the electorate to know their right as well as the fact that security agencies are out to ensure peaceful conduct of election in the state.
Professor Lai Olurode, former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, used the medium to caution politicians and Governorship candidates in Osun state against fomenting trouble during the July 16 governorship election.
“There would be other elections if anyone loses this time. Tomorrow, they can win, but if they destroy the state because they lost an election or raise false alarm or false allegation, there would be no state for them to do anything again.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman, NIPR Osun State, Mr. Ademola Adesoji, stated that the summit was to encourage politicians to ensure peace in the state by signing a Peace charter.
Highlight of the Peace Summit was the overview, declaration and signing of the Peace Charter moderated by the NIPR Vice President ACG Wale Adeniyi to the gubernatorial candidates which include: Zenith Labour Party Engr Adesuyi Olufemi, Peoples Democratic Party Senator Ademola Adeleke represented by Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji, People’s Redemption Party Hon Ayoade Adedeji represented by Mr Kazeem Raji, Young Progressives Party Dr Ademola Bayonle, Social Democratic Party Architect Akinola Omigbodun, All Progressives Congress Mr Adegboyega Oyetola represented by Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji and All People’s Party, Mr. Adebayo Adeolu.
