Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun to prioritize reconciliation, unity, peace, and stability as he embarks on his second term in office. Tinubu extended this counsel during a thank-you visit from Adeleke at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeleke expressed gratitude towards Tinubu for ensuring a fair electoral process during the August 15 governorship election in Osun. In response, the President encouraged Adeleke to leverage his electoral victory to unite the populace, cautioning against any form of victimization or stigmatization of political adversaries.
“All for reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people. Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it,” Tinubu advised. He emphasized the role of divine providence in leadership positions, stating, “Use me as an example. I got here because God put me here. Where you are today, God put you there.”
Highlighting the importance of Adeleke’s role, Tinubu described it as a unique opportunity to advance unity, peace, stability, democracy, and the rule of law. He further urged the governor to prioritize governance and improve the welfare of Osun’s residents, irrespective of political affiliations.
The President outlined key responsibilities for a governor, including infrastructure development, educational and healthcare improvements, and protection of vulnerable groups. He also addressed calls to reverse ongoing reforms, identifying such demands as lacking an understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities. Tinubu criticized Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s statement on reinstating fuel subsidies as an indicator of ignorance regarding governance and economic issues.
Governor Adeleke, speaking to State House Correspondents, underscored his visit’s purpose as expressing gratitude to Tinubu for upholding democratic principles, which ensured the election’s credibility. “I am here to thank Mr. President, the father of the nation, because he fought for this democracy,” Adeleke remarked.
The event’s highlight was Adeleke’s symbolic presentation of his Certificate of Return to President Tinubu. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Adeleke, representing the Accord Party, secured his second term by garnering 511,067 votes, surpassing Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who received 444,815 votes. The election was noted for its peaceful conduct and transparency by electoral observers.