By Ayodele Oni
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that his administration has paid over N80 billion in inherited pension debt and more than two-thirds of the half-salary arrears owed to workers in the state, just as he said all the 34 governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot stop his victory.
The Governor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates in the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Adeleke recalled that in 2022, the state’s finances could not clear the accumulated debts, but said his government prioritised workers’ welfare.
“I’m proud of all I have achieved in the last four years. But specifically, I am happy about workers’ welfare. We did a lot to redeem our pensioners and workers in Osun State.
“I’m truly happy about how we addressed the problems and challenges facing Osun public workers. The pensioners, senior citizens, are happy with me. The workers love me. The first job of a government is the welfare of the people. I fulfilled that responsibility.
“It was not possible to pay the accumulated half-salary and pension debts, but I’ve shown the world that if there is political will, difficult issues can be resolved.
“Our government has paid over two-thirds of the half-salary debt. We have paid over N80 billion of inherited pension debt. We have reformed the public service. Osun workers appreciate it. They’ve endorsed me for re-election,” Adeleke affirmed.
The governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, listed some of his administration’s achievements.
“Before talking about the next tenure, let me list what I have achieved so far: 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges, six dualised roads, rehabilitation of over 200 primary healthcare centres, rehabilitation of 150 schools, the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the purchase of 31 new tractors, disbursement of almost N2 billion in cooperative funds, among many others.”
Adeleke, who won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said he left the party due to crisis.
“I left the PDP to join Accord because of the crisis in the PDP then. I love PDP so much, and it was difficult to leave. I would have run as an independent candidate in this election if it were allowed in Nigeria,” he said.
The governor accused the Nigeria Police Force of partisanship ahead of Saturday’s poll.
“I’m not comfortable with the partisan posture of the police in particular. I have raised the alarm on several occasions. The police authorities seem to have turned a deaf ear.
“On a daily basis, the police are arresting my members. Yesterday alone, four Accord leaders were again arrested. I’ve lost seven members of my party, with over 20 suffering various gun injuries. Over 60 Accord members are in various illegal police detention.
“I now have new reports even suggesting police direct involvement in rigging the election on Saturday. I have alerted Mr President and the Inspector-General of Police. The job of the police is to provide security, not to interfere in the electoral process. I am asking for a free and fair election. Nothing more,” he said.
Adeleke called on Osun residents to shun violence and ensure a peaceful election.
Reacting to the recent account freeze by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Adeleke said he appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and was assured of a free and fair election.
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