By Sola Jacobs
As the September 22nd governorship election is gathering momentum in Osun State, the immediate past Executive Member of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, Prof. Olu Aina, (OFR) has called on politicians in the state to shun campaigns of calumny in a bid to score cheap political points.
Prof Aina who made the call last Saturday during the Funeral Mass for his late Sister, Madam Elizabeth Omopenu Dada at St Nicholas Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Otan Ayegbaju, in the state, urged politicians to play the game according to the rule, adding that “leadership comes from God.”
Prof Aina, who also enjoined the officials of the INEC to ensure that all votes must be counted and ensure free, fair and credible election, advised politicians to shun campaign of bitterness ahead of the governorship elections in the state.
“As politicians, determined to serve the people of the state, it is pertinent for them to conduct themselves in a responsible manner in order to gain the confidence and trust of the electorate.
“In politics, there are winners and losers, so, I urge the political class to always focus on issues and programmes that will benefit the electorate,” Prof Aina added.
While speaking on his late Sister, Prof Aina described her as a mother of mothers who cares for all and sundry.
According him, ”My Sister while on earth contributed a lot to the development of humanity; she was a committed and faithful woman, we will all miss her.”
In his sermon, the Priest, Rev. Fr. Felix Olaniyan, described Mrs Elizabeth Omopenu Dada as a committed Christian while alive, saying everyone should emulate her way of worshipping God.
The Rev. Father who based his sermon on the book of John 14 : 3, said the late woman served the Lord to the point of death.
He also enjoined politicians in the Country to be courageous in doing things, as the country needs courageous leaders at this trying time.
According to him, “We need courage to bring sanity to the nation by faithfully delivering our obligation in order to receive salvation. If Nigeria will be well, our leaders must be serious.”
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony are former governor of Osun state, Alhaji Adebisi Akande, General Alani Akinrinade, top government functionaries as well as traditional rulers and others.