President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to use his electoral victory to promote reconciliation, unity, peace and stability in the state.
Receiving Governor Adeleke, who visited the Presidential Villa to present his Certificate of Return, President Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory was a product of the will of God and the people, rather than the “smartness” of politicians.
He urged the governor to expand his political reach, reconcile with his opponents and avoid stigmatising anyone who contested against him.
“You did not conquer anybody; you won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” PBAT said, stressing that Adeleke now had a unique opportunity to make history by strengthening democracy, the rule of law and political stability.
The President also congratulated Adeleke and his team for their mobilisation during the election, describing their performance as a “very good job.”
Tinubu further warned against policies that could undermine economic stability, citing the challenges faced by states that previously struggled to pay workers’ salaries and pensions.
He urged Adeleke to focus on improving the lives of the people through infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare and other social services.
According to the President, the people of Osun had spoken clearly through the ballot by choosing Adeleke to govern them. “Anybody, any Democrat, anybody in the political environment who cannot celebrate the joy of free and fair election does not deserve the laughter and the happiness of democracy,” PBAT said.
He therefore charged the governor to govern for everyone, not just his supporters, and to build bridges of unity that would benefit present and future generations.