Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of Osun State has called on the people of Osun to eschew every form of violent conduct or acts capable of undermining the integrity of the Saturday 22nd gubernatorial election in the state.
Aregbesola also sent a strong warning to any individual who may have sinister intention to disrupt the peaceful, free and fair conduct of the election, saying security agencies are all over the state to nip any criminal and undemocratic act in the bud.
This was contained in an early state-wide broadcast to the people of the state, cautioning them to be vigilant and report all suspicious and criminal activities to law enforcement agencies.
The Governor said voting is political power in the hand of the electorate, which can only be exercised by registered voters with their permanent voter’s card.
He noted that people must therefore exercise this civil power responsibly in choosing their leaders so as to help put the right person in leadership position, advising them to weigh their choice of candidate carefully and responsibly before making it.
The statement read in part: “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.”
He praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his visit to Osun and for all his kind assistance to the state and commended his commitment to deepening democracy, transparency, credibility and fairness.
Packaged by Rahman Salami
