Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has said addressing current security challenges in the country must be seen as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
He stressed that providing security was a major duty of government, but also requiring the people’s support to provide the partnership upon which the security architecture can be improved.
Oyetola spoke yesterday during the turbaning of Mallam Ayuba Lugu as the new Seriki of the Hausa Community in Ibokun town, Obokun Local Government Area. He was represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.
The governor said the continuous weaponisation of religion, ethnicity and promotion of cultural differences must stop for the country to remain peaceful and united. He also harped on the need for social cohesion through dialogue, justice and equity, to sustain peaceful co-existence among the people.
Oyetola also warned residents, especially non-indigenes, against shielding criminals, insisting that suspicious movement must be reported to appropriate quarters in the interest of continued peaceful coexistence in the state.
State Seriki Hausa, Alhaji Suaib Gomina, praised the governor for providing enabling environment for peaceful co-existence among the indigenes and non-indigenes in the state.
The Oyetola has also vowed never to betray his conscience in fulfilling his campaign promises to the people, if re-elected governor.
Oyetola urged the people to disregard ‘falsehood being peddled by the opposition parties that he would not fulfill his campaign promises’.
He spoke during an engagement with members of state Automobile Technician Association yesterday.
Represented by Oyintiloye, the governor said his journey into politics was for service delivery and not for personal gain or deception.
He assured civil servants and retirees of his commitment to their welfare, and urged them not to fall for the antics of the opposition parties.
“Since the beginning of our administration, we have spent N43 billion on payment of pension for retirees and we will not stop. Osun is also one of the few states in the country that has implemented the minimum wage, and we have been consistent in the payment.
“Those spreading falsehood that I will stop paying attention to the welfare of workers and our senior citizen are not to be trusted because they have nothing to offer,” he said.
The governor reiterated that re-elected, he would consolidate on the achievements his administration had made in the last three and half years.
Chairman of the association Ajibola Akinola hailed the governor for his strides in infrastructure and amenities. He, however, appealed to the governor to assist members of the association with more soft loans to boost their businesses.
He also promised the association would support his re-election for the continuation of his good works.
