My good people of Osun,
Saturday September 22, 2018 is the day you will elect a governor that will serve you for the next four years, after the expiration of my second term on November 27.
We all look forward to this date when we will exercise our democratic right to choose our leader. It is only democracy that affords the people the right to choose their leader. This is an inalienable right that is guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. It was a right fought for and won with the blood and sweat of our patriots. We must enjoy and exercise it freely; and responsibly protect it.
Since 1999, this is the fifth governorship election to be held in Osun. After 1999, the second was held in 2003; the third was held in 2007; the fourth was held in 2014 and we look forward to the fifth one on Saturday with great enthusiasm and excitement. We shall continue to have this cycle every four years by the grace of God. It is the dawn of freedom and political emancipation.
However, this right also comes with a sacred responsibility. This is responsibility for yourself, family, community and nation. For good or bad, the person you elect will rule Osun for the next four years, even if there are remedies that could be made in-between. Therefore, you must take this seriously and with every sense of responsibility.
There are two responsibilities here. The first is for those who are registered to vote. They should all come out to vote. Indeed, voting is political power. However, only registered voters with their permanent voter’s card are expected at the polling units. The second is responsible voting. This power must be used for the advancement of the state by helping to put the right person in political office. Not everyone has the intellectual, moral and administrative capability and capacity to provide leadership and governance, though everyone has some gifts and can be useful in some other ways. You must therefore weigh your choice of candidate carefully and responsibly before making it.
You must also conduct yourselves peacefully and lawfully before, during and after the election. Display your Omoluabi essence and demonstrate to the world that you are the epitome of civility, character, integrity and decency. Shun every form of violence or acts capable of undermining the integrity of the election and of the State and People of Osun. If you are not a voter or do not have any role to play, stay at home while the exercise lasted. Do not come near the polling stations.
However, be vigilant. Report all suspicious and criminal activities to law enforcement agencies. You all have a duty to make the election successful.
There have been concerns that a few anti-democratic elements might attempt to deny citizens their democratic right to vote for the candidate of their choice or coerce them to vote for a particular candidate. Indigenes and non-indigenes alike have nothing to fear. The entire power and resources of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be deployed to protect you and enable you to exercise your civic rights.
For the non-indigenes in Osun, your right to reside in any part of Nigeria and enjoy every right and privilege available to citizens of Nigeria in your locality is constitutionally guaranteed. I will protect you and defend your right with every power at my disposal. If you feel the least uncomfortable in any situation, do not hesitate to report to the law enforcement agencies around you.
The security agencies have been mobilised to all the nooks and crannies of the state. Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear. They should all go about their lawful duties happily, luxuriating in the mood of the season, the celebration of the festival of democracy that comes around at every election cycle.
Criminals, anti-democratic elements, poll riggers and those predisposed to violence should steer clear of Osun before, during and after the election. You will have the overwhelming security powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the resolve of the good people of Osun for a free and fair election to contend with.
I urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to double its effort and make this election hitch-free. The body should conduct a free, fair and peaceful election we will all be proud of.
I will like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his visit to Osun and for all his kind assistance to the state. I will also like to commend his commitment to deepening democracy, transparency, credibility and fairness.
Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. All democrats must embrace it with open mind, commitment and zeal to reenergise and renew it.
I wish you all a free, fair, peaceful and successful election.
Osun a dara!
