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OSUN POLL: ICPC DEPLOYS OPERATIVES TO TACKLE VOTE-BUYING
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has said its operatives will be deployed to all the 30 local government areas of the state during the August 15 governorship poll.
This was disclosed by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Osun State, Yusuf Olatunji, while speaking with journalists during a street rally against vote-buying organised by the commission in Osogbo on Thursday.
During the street rally, which had in attendance corps members, staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ICPC members, among others, various speakers in three major languages in the country campaigned against vote-buying.
The rally had taken off at Igbona Market in Osogbo and moved through the Old Garage to Olaiya Area, and terminated at Alekuwodo Market in Osogbo.
Also during the street awareness campaign, fliers containing information on the adverse implications of vote-buying were also distributed to the residents.
Addressing journalists after the rally, Olatunji explained that the rally was organised to drive home the message of the commission against vote trading.
“We are out here to let the people of the state know that vote buying is a crime under Nigerian law. From the ICPC, we will not be tolerating vote buying or selling and anybody culpable of this will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The commission has made adequate arrangements to deploy our personnel to all the 30 local governments to monitor the election to ensure that vote buying is eradicated.
“We want to appeal to the voters that they should not encourage vote buying. Don’t let anybody deceive you with money. Anybody that engages in such, both giver and taker, is liable and will be punished,” Olatunji said.
He admonished the electorate in the state to protect the integrity of our electoral process by rejecting every form of electoral corruption, especially vote buying and vote selling.
He further said, “Vote buying and vote selling may appear to offer temporary financial relief, but they inflict lasting damage on our democracy.
“When votes become commodities, leadership becomes a transaction rather than a mandate. The consequences are evident: poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Every voter must understand that the money offered in exchange for a vote may be spent within a few days, but the effects of electing the wrong leaders may be felt for years.
“No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education for our children, better healthcare, good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development.”
The PUNCH reports that 14 political parties are fielding candidates in the election, including the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the Accord Party.
Okpebholo, Ododo rally voters for APC
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday urged Edo indigenes living in Osun State to support the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Speaking at an APC campaign rally at the party secretariat in Osogbo, Okpebholo described Oyebamiji as the candidate capable of delivering infrastructure, improving education and driving sustainable economic development in the state.
In a press statement on Thursday by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said Oyebamiji has the capacity to replicate the developmental agenda being pursued by the APC in Edo State.
Addressing party supporters, Okpebholo said the APC candidate would prioritise road construction and improve public infrastructure if elected.
“This is the man that stands for the development of this state. This is the man that will develop your schools. This man will construct your roads. He will give you roads with concrete pavement — roads that will last for 80 years and above,” he said.
He said the election offers Osun residents an opportunity to choose progress and accelerate the state’s development.
“The reality of today is someone who will bring prosperity to this land. The time for us to call for progress into this state is now. We cannot wait for tomorrow. This is the best man that will do the job,” Okpebholo said.
The governor also urged voters to elect a leader who would effectively utilise resources provided to states by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We must vote for someone who will use the resources that Mr President has made available for states to develop the states. And I call on Edo indigenes in Osun to vote for Oyebamiji,” he added.
Also speaking at the rally, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, appealed to Osun voters to back the APC and its candidate, saying victory for the party would demonstrate the state’s support for Tinubu.
“Why we must vote for APC and AMBO is because that is the only way we can show Mr President our own appreciation,” Ododo said.
The Director-General of the APC Campaign Council in Osun State, Oluwole Oke, welcomed the visiting governors and thanked them for their support for the party.
He said the developmental achievements recorded in Edo and Kogi under APC administrations could be replicated in Osun if Oyebamiji is elected governor.
Ooni praises Okpebholo, Ododo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday praised Okpebholo and Ododo for their humble and people-centred approach to governance.
According to a press statement by Okpebholo’s CPS, Ebojele, the monarch spoke when the governors paid the monarch a courtesy visit at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Welcoming the governors, the Ooni said their humility and simplicity distinguished them from many of their contemporaries, adding that they had remained closely connected to ordinary Nigerians despite holding high public offices.
“We are very honoured and privileged to receive the two governors in the palace. The entire Yoruba race is delighted to have governors with such rare characteristics,” the monarch said.
He described humility as a key attribute of effective leadership, saying both governors had demonstrated qualities worthy of emulation.
“These two governors are the most humble governors we have ever produced in Nigeria. Everything about them is humility and simplicity. They are very humble, easy-going and amiable.
“I have watched them closely, their disposition, mannerisms and simplicity. They don’t carry themselves because of the high offices they occupy. They are down-to-earth and well connected to ordinary people,” he said.
The Ooni urged Okpebholo to remain committed to his leadership style, saying it reflected the Yoruba values of Omoluabi.
“We are here to celebrate you. I know you came to Osun State for politics, but beyond politics, we are talking about what the Yoruba call Omoluabi par excellence. Your simplicity and your approach to things, keep it up. That is the best way to live life and lead the people. Keep up the good work,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of both governors, Ododo said Okpebholo had asked him to address the monarch during the visit.
He thanked the Ooni for his role in promoting peace in Osun State and across Nigeria.
“We are here to thank Your Majesty for keeping peace, not only in Osun State but across the nation,” Ododo said.
He said the visit was intended to promote peace, unity and stronger ties among the people of Osun State while supporting efforts to foster national cohesion.
CREDIT: THE PUNCH
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