By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the people of Osun State to give the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke all the support he needs to ensure that programmes, policies, plans and aspirations fashioned to make individuals and businesses flourish succeed in the State.
Buhari gave the charge on Tuesday following the decision of the Supreme Court, which affirmed the electoral victory of Adeleke and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 2022 governorship election in Osun State.
A five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Emmanuel Agim had earlier on Tuesday dismissed an appeal filed by former governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the outcome of the election.
The Supreme Court held that the former governor failed to prove his allegation of over-voting in the election, and upheld the Appeal Court’s judgment which upheld the election of Adeleke as the state governor.
Reacting to the court’s ruling in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday, Buhari said he recognizes the apex court’s judgement, as well the important role of the judiciary in deepening rule of law and democracy.
With the final decision by the court, the President reminded the political class and their supporters that “the main task at hand is to make the people feel the impact of good governance, where a prosperous, peaceful and stable Osun is guaranteed.”
According to him, “elections should be seen as the path to an end, which is the progress of the people in a peaceful environment, rather than unending bickering. This is the time for inclusion and harmony in the State at the end of litigation.”
President Buhari thanked the people of Osun for contributing immensely to the development of the nation, particularly through the State’s rich cultural heritage, the several historic sites and tourist attractions, including the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The President expressed confidence that the Adeleke government will continue to develop the boundless resources in the State of the Living Spring, complementing the roles of the government at the Centre on national development and prosperity.
