President Goodluck Jonathan including governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC has congratulated Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola over his victory at yesterday’s governorship election.
In a statement issued in Abuja today and signed by Reuben Abati, the president’s spokesperson, Jonathan also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and national security agencies for ensuring that the elections were free, fair, credible and peaceful in keeping with the avowed commitment of his Administration.
President Jonathan also applauded the people of Osun state for coming out en masse yesterday in all the
local government areas of the state to peacefully and freely exercise their democratic right, trusting in his assurance that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure their safety and the sanctity of their votes.
President Jonathan added in the statement that the free, fair and peaceful conduct of the elections have fully reaffirmed his administration’s determination to positively reform Nigeria’s electoral processes.
He also added that the outcome of the election has also given the lie to the false, unfair and uncharitable allegations that measures put in place by the Federal Government for the Ekiti and Osun State elections were partisan and designed to achieve a favourable outcome for his party.
President Jonathan also promised that as Governor Aregbesola get set to begin a second term in office, he looks forward to continuing to work with him and other state governors to further improve the living conditions of Nigerians in Osun and other states of the country.
The President further wished Governor Aregbesola continued good health and a successful second term in office.
Also Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said “I have seen a new lease of life for the people of the State of Osun over the past three and half years due to the radical improvements in the quality of governance you introduced. It is gratifying to note that you have restored a people-driven governance, reminiscent of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige eras, thus placing you firmly in the pantheon of the greats to have come from that part of the country.
“The wide margin of the votes you recorded in your re-election victory over your closest rival in a clear testimony of your doggedness and the confidence reposed in you by the good people of the State in your ability to move the State of Osun forward and position it among the best in the country.
“Above all, your victory has strengthened the Progressive Movement nationally and further enhanced its capacity to positively affect the direction of the nation’s polity.
“I salute the people of the State of Osun for choosing to toe the path of positive progressivism and lasting legacies over the politics of stomach infrastructure which the other party has introduced into the nation’s political lexicon.
“As you settle down to the business of governance in your second term, I wish you greater and quality achievements in your efforts to reposition the State of Osun. I assure you of the continued solidarity of the people and Government of Edo State.”
In the same manner, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun in a statement signed today by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, SSA, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, said that the electorate have shown clearly through the resounding victory of Aregbesola that they can make up their own minds, irrespective of pressures and persuasion, by voting massively for the APC and indeed Aregbesola at the just concluded election.
He charged the governor to see his second coming as most divine and re-dedicate himself to the service of the people of the state, who have freely given him their mandate for a second term.
“The people have again spoken with one voice through their mandate, freely given. I have always said it that our people are sophisticated and know which party is working and those that have their genuine interest at heart. This they have demonstrated in Osun state.
“I had no doubt in my mind that our party would come out victorious. We campaigned vigorously and encouraged our supporters to vote their conscience,” Amosun said
He however enjoined the governor to continue with the good work he started and prayed God to continue to grant him the wisdom and strength to steer the ship of the state aright.
