Politics
Wike and the other G5 govs avoid Adeleke’s swearing-in as he freezes Osun bank accounts
Ademola Adeleke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was sworn in as Osun’s sixth executive governor on Sunday in Osogbo.
He commanded the state’s accounts in banks and other financial institutions to be immediately frozen.
At the Osogbo City Stadium, Adeleke received the oath of office from Justice Adepele Ojo, the chief judge of Osun.
Earlier, Mr Kola Adewusi, Adeleke’s deputy, received the oath of loyalty from Justice Ojo.
Gboyega Oyetola, a former APC governor, was succeeded by Adeleke (APC).
All appointments, placements, and other significant decisions made by Oyetola’s government starting on July 17, the day following the state’s governorship election, were to be immediately returned to the status quo ante.
Adeleke stated that a commission will be established to inventory government property and reclaim any that were in the wrong hands.
The governor mandated an immediate change from the old “State of Osun” to the officially recognized name of the state, Osun State.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the state’s previous governor and current interior minister, renamed Osun State to the State of Osun.
“The State of Osun, which is not recognized by the Nigerian Constitution, shall no longer appear on any official communication, signs, or insignia.
“Under my watch as the governor of Osun, I would courageously reverse all historical injustices, corrupt acts, or policies by any prior administration, which are against the common interest of our people,” he said.
He promised that all the commands he issued on Sunday will be supported by the necessary executive orders.
Adeleke promised that as governor, he will uphold the aspirations of the Osun people as the state’s chief security officer.
He promised that his government will approach and address the issues of poverty, illiteracy, sickness, and inadequate infrastructure in the state with a strong sense of urgency, openness, fairness, and creativity.
“I understand that, as the result of your collective desire, there is a tremendous burden of history on my shoulders, and I embrace the urgency of your expectations,” the speaker said.
The depth of your hopes and your faith in me to create a better state won’t be misplaced, he assured them.
According to Adeleke, any policies that were detrimental to local government administration and growth will be reconsidered in compliance with the law.
He promised the state’s labor unions that his government will always be eager to safeguard workers’ interests and advance their welfare, adding that he would be labour-friendly.
He begged the staff to allow him a few weeks so that he could evaluate and resolve the “malicious deeds and confusions” that the previous administration had brought about since July 17.
Also promising to keep his campaign pledges, the governor.
The pledges included the welfare of employees and pensioners, as well as the growth of the state’s economy, homegrown infrastructure plans, and people-centred educational initiatives.
Others included agro-based industrialization for wealth generation and employment creation, security, social welfare, and inexpensive healthcare.
“I hereby offer a firm hand of friendship to the legislative and judicial branches of the government.
“I understand the value of cooperation between the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary as a former lawmaker and criminal justice graduate.
“I urge cooperation among all political parties for the sake of the nation.
Voting has concluded.
The moment for governance has come.
In keeping with our credo, we are open to new concepts.
I shall be the governor of all Osun people, independent of linguistic, religious, political, or any other distinctions, he emphasized.
The G5, a group of five PDP governors who are upset with the party and are led by Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, was noticeably absent from Adeleke’s swearing-in event.
Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu are additional G5 governors.
Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Aminu Tambuwal of Kano, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa are among the PDP governors in attendance.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, his wife Titi, Mr Iyiorcha Ayu, the party’s national chairman, and Mr Bukola Saraki, the former president of the Senate, are among the other dignitaries present.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the former governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, Tony Elumelu, David Adeleke, nicknamed Davido, and others were also there.