Jubilation, as Aregbesola wins second term
BY ABU IDRISU:
Osogbo and other major towns of Osun State erupted in jubilation and excitement on Sunday immediately Governor Rauf Aregbesola was declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Shortly after Bamitale Omole, who served as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, announced Aregbesola as winner of the poll, residents of the state capital, Ilesa, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ikirun, Ila-Orangun, Ikire and other towns trooped out en masse to celebrate the victory.
Omole is the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Residents of Osogbo in particular, including artisans, schools children and aged people, marched straight to the Oke-Fia Government House to celebrate with the Governor immediately after the announcement
The resulting procession created traffic jam at the popular Alekunwodo, Orita-Olaiya, MDS, Odi-Olowo, Fagbewesa as people celebrate the victory.
Aregbesola defeated his archrival, Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came a distant second with 292,747 votes against Aregbesola’s 394,684 at the end of the balloting.
The people expressed their happiness over the victory of Aregbesola who ran for the election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
They were seen singing and dancing round major streets of Osogbo.
Addressing the crowd, Aregbesola attributed his victory to hard work, focus and dedication of his administration.
“Let me assure the good people of Osun State that I appreciate that this victory is a reward for our hard work and commitment to the welfare of our people.
“I promise that we shall not rest on our oars but shall be spurred to work even harder with all people of the State of Osun and the generality of Nigerians to continue to enjoy your trust and support.”
Aregbesola assured the people that that he would leave no stone unturned in his continued effort to transform the state.
“I realise that this victory and the challenges we went through is a call to greater service and sustained commitment to our people.
“I pledge to rededicate myself to the service of our people and the strengthening of democratic values in Osun and Nigeria generally.”
The Governor said through the election, Osun people have demonstrated that in a democracy, power truly belongs to the people.
He pledged that he would not betray the confidence that was reposed in him.
Aregbesola saluted the steadfastness, courage, loyalty, commitment and fierce determination of Osun people to defend their sovereign rights and the integrity of the nation’s nascent democracy.
“On behalf of my party, we are delighted to claim victory for our hard work, focus and dedication in this election.
“I thank the Almighty God for our triumph at the polls, against all odds.”
Aregbesola also spoke in the aftermath of his victory in his acceptance speech by tasking Nigerians on “the need to rescue the nation from the present political bondage” into which, he said, the PDP-led Federal Government has entangled the country.
Aregbesola lamented that Nigeria remains in political bondage even at this time, stressing that there is urgent need to set the nation free.
He explained that he was made to face great number of “traumatic challenges” before and during the election, saying it was God Almighty that saved him.
Aregbesola noted that the situation was so sad and unfortunate that the contest that should be a normal, routine process was allowed to “snowball in to a needless virtual war by the Federal Government and the PDP”.
According to him, “Ordinarily, this should be a moment of joy and celebration consequent upon the hard earned triumph of the people’s will.
“However, this election shows that democracy is still gravely endangered in Nigeria. We witnessed gross abuse of power and undue process before, during, and even after the actual voting process”.
The Governor bemoaned that Osun State was unduly militarised in an unprecedented manner through criminal intimidation and psychological assault on the people.
He was sad that the election witnessed an abuse of security agencies amounted to a corruption of their professional ethics and integrity.
He added that the security agencies were unprofessionally utilised in Osun State to harass, intimidate and oppress the people whose taxes were used to pay the salaries of the operatives.
“Hundreds of leaders, supporters, sympathisers and agents of our party were arrested and detained.
“Also, hundreds of other innocent citizens, including women and the aged were harassed, brutalised and traumatised.
“In spite of this condemnable repression and abuse of human rights, the unflagging spirit of our people triumphed.
“Our victory is due to the steadfastness and resolute determination of our people to assert and defend their rights. The PDP obviously did all it could in a most desperate manner to steal the people’s mandate,” Aregbesola said.
The Governor said “despite our victory, it is pertinent to condemn and also point out the fact that the number of accredited voters in most local governments was less than half of registered voters.
“Against this trend, it is curious that the bulk of the PDP candidate’s votes came from only four local governments-namely Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North and Ife South.”
Aregbesola said the outcome of this election reflected the unswerving determination of Osun people to ensure that democracy triumphs in Nigeria.
He noted that Osun people have sent a strong signal to all and sundry that no might is powerful enough to thwart the will of the people.
“This should always strengthen our resolve to ensure that as from now on, every vote must not only be counted in Osun but must count in this country as a whole.
“Nobody or party must ever exercise power unreasonably at any level except in accordance with the will of
the people to whom sovereignty belongs,” Aregbesola said.
Also speaking, Osun State Commissioner for Information, Sunday Akere, described Aregbesola’s victory as well deserved and that it reflected the will and wish of the people.
“Despite the money they disbursed, all the inducement they used to entice the voters, the shameless PDP could not go far because Governor Aregbesola is well loved by the people of this state,” he added.
Also speaking to our correspondent, PDP Secretary in Osun State, Bola Ajao, said the party’s leaders and its candidate would meet to determine the next line of action.
Omisore himself, while reacting, said he would not be deterred by the outcome of the election but move forward in life.
Omisore said in a statement by his media aide, Diran Odeyemi: “We would not be deterred because of the development”.
“What we lost is the Osun State gubernatorial election, we did not lose lives. We thank the Lord for everything. In all situations, I will continue to give glory to the Lord because the Lord knows better than us and He alone has answers to all questions.”
He said he would remain in the PDP, just as he hinted that he was still reflecting on the outcome of the election.
“Falling down is not new in politics, rising up is the strength of a good leader. We shall bounce back. Congratulations to the people of Osun State because we all won,” he added.
Also, Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Fatai Akinbade, said he has accepted the outcome of the election and congratulated the winner, Aregbesola, on his victory.
Akinbade, however, said his head remained unbowed, as he did not regret partaking in the election as the standard bearer of the LP.
In a statement by his Director Media, Kayode Oladeji, the LP candidate commended the process that eventually produced the winner.
President Goodluck Jonathan also congratulated Aregbesola on his victory.
A statement by Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, hours after the results were announced noted that the smooth conduct of the poll confirmed Jonathan’s commitment to ensuring that elections in Nigeria continue to be free and fair.
“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,” said the statement.
The President commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring that this happened, just as he commended the people of Osun for trooping out to cast their ballot knowing that their votes would count.
The statement also gave assurances that Jonathan would continue to work with Aregbesola to ensure better life for the residents of Osun.
Former military Head of State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, similarly congratulated Aregbesola on his “resounding victory”.
In a statement on Sunday, Buhari also posted the acceptance speech of Aregbesola made after his declaration as winner and said he endorsed every word in it.
“Congratulations to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State for his resounding re-election victory,” Buhari added.
Former Vice President and chieftain of APC, Atiku Abubakar, also described Aregbesola’s victory as a measure of the popularity and acceptability of both the Governor and his party.
In a statement by his Media Office on Sunday, Atiku observed that the overwhelming victory recorded by the APC in the election was a clear indication that “Governor Aregbesola is very popular among the people of the state and thus the support given to him and the political party that presented him”.
Atiku, whose wife is an indigene of Osun State, also showed appreciation to the voters in Osun State for not letting him down as an in-law.
“The victory of Governor Aregbesola and the APC in the governorship election in Osun State is very symbolic. It shows clearly that my in-law and the incumbent Governor is very popular among his people of Osun State.
“It also shows significantly that the people of Osun State are at home with the APC and the mass oriented policies associated with our great party,” Atiku added.
On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, urged Aregbesola to be magnanimous in victory whenever he begins his second term in office.
The Speaker gave the advice in a congratulatory statement to Aregbesola on Sunday.
The Speaker’s statement was signed by his media aide, Imam Imam.
Tambuwal also congratulated Osun voters for exercising their democratic rights in a largely peaceful manner.
He said with the polls over, the onus is now on the political class in the state to rally round the Governor to enable him administer the state for the benefit its citizens.
“At the risk of sounding repetitive, let me reiterate what I have always said: that there is time for everything. There is time for politicking and time for governance.
“Now that politicking is over in Osun, I urge all stakeholders to tailor their energy towards delivering quality governance to the populace.”
Leader of opposition in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also in a statement issued on behalf of the opposition group in the House of congratulated the Osun State Governor over his victory.
Gbajabiamila, who is the APC Caucus Leader, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, saluted the people of Osun for standing against the “oppression by external forces.”
“His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for you it is veni vidi vici. You came you saw and you conquered. In spite of the forces unleashed against you, your victory was sweet and swift just as it was inevitable.
“On behalf of my APC colleagues in the House and all progressives, I congratulate you as you continue to lead the state and good people of Osun to the promised land for the next four years.”
Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, also congratulated Aregbesola.
Obanikoro, in a statement on Sunday conceded that Aregbesola’s victory is a confirmation of the goodwill he enjoys in Osun State.
He also congratulated the candidate of his party (PDP), Omisore, for his maturity and sportsmanship, as well as the security agents and INEC for their professional conduct during the election.
“I congratulate the good people of Osun State for once again re-affirming the will of democracy by their exceptional conduct during the just concluded gubernatorial elections.
“The people of Osun State have consolidated our hope in a democracy where violence-free elections are allowed to thrive.
“I enjoin all other citizens of our great country to emulate them as we prepare for another round of general elections early next year,” the minister said.
National leadership of the PDP also congratulated the Governor on his re-election.
The party, however, said it accepted to concede victory to the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the interest of the nation’s democracy.
The election process itself, the party said, “was not too palatable”.
The party also commended its candidate, Iyiola Omisore, for his impressive outing “which confirms that PDP commands massive followership in the state”.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh.
The statement also praised the President for providing a conducive atmosphere for the election to hold.
“After a careful appraisal of the overall conduct of the election, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in spite of perceived anomalies, hereby accepts the results and congratulates Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his re-election.
“This is entirely in the interest of the growth of democracy, peace and political stability of the country in line with PDP’s ideology and the visions of our founding fathers,” the statement said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, also congratulated his “brother Governor for a well-deserved victory”.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, Fashola hailed Aregbesola, the people and government of the State of Osun for “a well-fought and won election in spite of intimidation and harassment by agencies of the ruling opposition party who sought to militarise the State during the event”.
The Governor said the victory of Aregbesola “on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of the State of Osun would remain a strong indicator of the victory of truth over falsehood”.
He pointed out that no matter the amount of pressure or intimidation to suppress them, the ultimate power rests on the people in a democracy.
“The ordinary people of the State of Osun have spoken the truth about their Governor and the people-oriented policies of the All Progressives Congress.
“It could be possible to deny what is being said but certainly it is not possible to deny what the eyes could see.
“The State of Osun, like every other State under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, remains a proof of our resolve to lead the people of Nigeria to a better rewarding future,” he said.
Fashola also congratulated all members and supporters as well as the leadership of the APC nationwide for the well-deserved victory, urging them to work harder towards the other tasks ahead.
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, was not left out.
He congratulated Aregbesola and described the result of the poll as the triumph of democracy and the rule of law.
This was contained in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Festus Adedayo.
Ajimobi said the wild jubilation that trailed the announcement of Aregbesola as winner showed that the result was representative of the will of the people of Osun State.
While describing Aregbesola’s victory as a well-deserved one, the Governor attributed it to outstanding performance of his Osun State counterpart in his first term as well as the love of the people of the state for APC and the ideals which the party stood for.
Ajimobi commended the people of Osun State for their “collective resolve to say `No’ to the reactionary forces” who, he said, were bent on returning the state to the path of retrogression and for voting for continuity of good governance which the Aregbesola administration represented.
Meanwhile, Osun Development Agenda (ODA) has saluted the courage of the people for trooping out to vote Aregbesola for second term despite the heavy presence of security agents.
The group also congratulated the Governor and commended INEC for improving on their performance.
It tasked them to prepare more for the 2015 general elections.
A statement in Osogbo by Deputy Convener of the Group, Ramon Shenge, urged the Governor to see the victory as a challenge to be more dedicated to welfare of the people to ensure steady progress.
Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Group (COSEG) also described the victory of Aregbesola as victory for good governance.
COSEG Chairman, Ifedayo Ogunlana, in a statement stressed that the victory should be dedicated to the people of Osun who voted massively for the candidate of their choice despite intimidation and harassment.
Osogbo and other major towns of Osun State erupted in jubilation and excitement on Sunday immediately Governor Rauf Aregbesola was declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Shortly after Bamitale Omole, who served as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, announced Aregbesola as winner of the poll, residents of the state capital, Ilesa, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ikirun, Ila-Orangun, Ikire and other towns trooped out en masse to celebrate the victory.
Omole is the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Residents of Osogbo in particular, including artisans, schools children and aged people, marched straight to the Oke-Fia Government House to celebrate with the Governor immediately after the announcement
The resulting procession created traffic jam at the popular Alekunwodo, Orita-Olaiya, MDS, Odi-Olowo, Fagbewesa as people celebrate the victory.
Aregbesola defeated his archrival, Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came a distant second with 292,747 votes against Aregbesola’s 394,684 at the end of the balloting.
The people expressed their happiness over the victory of Aregbesola who ran for the election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
They were seen singing and dancing round major streets of Osogbo.
Addressing the crowd, Aregbesola attributed his victory to hard work, focus and dedication of his administration.
“Let me assure the good people of Osun State that I appreciate that this victory is a reward for our hard work and commitment to the welfare of our people.
“I promise that we shall not rest on our oars but shall be spurred to work even harder with all people of the State of Osun and the generality of Nigerians to continue to enjoy your trust and support.”
Aregbesola assured the people that that he would leave no stone unturned in his continued effort to transform the state.
“I realise that this victory and the challenges we went through is a call to greater service and sustained commitment to our people.
“I pledge to rededicate myself to the service of our people and the strengthening of democratic values in Osun and Nigeria generally.”
The Governor said through the election, Osun people have demonstrated that in a democracy, power truly belongs to the people.
He pledged that he would not betray the confidence that was reposed in him.
Aregbesola saluted the steadfastness, courage, loyalty, commitment and fierce determination of Osun people to defend their sovereign rights and the integrity of the nation’s nascent democracy.
“On behalf of my party, we are delighted to claim victory for our hard work, focus and dedication in this election.
“I thank the Almighty God for our triumph at the polls, against all odds.”
Aregbesola also spoke in the aftermath of his victory in his acceptance speech by tasking Nigerians on “the need to rescue the nation from the present political bondage” into which, he said, the PDP-led Federal Government has entangled the country.
Aregbesola lamented that Nigeria remains in political bondage even at this time, stressing that there is urgent need to set the nation free.
He explained that he was made to face great number of “traumatic challenges” before and during the election, saying it was God Almighty that saved him.
Aregbesola noted that the situation was so sad and unfortunate that the contest that should be a normal, routine process was allowed to “snowball in to a needless virtual war by the Federal Government and the PDP”.
According to him, “Ordinarily, this should be a moment of joy and celebration consequent upon the hard earned triumph of the people’s will.
“However, this election shows that democracy is still gravely endangered in Nigeria. We witnessed gross abuse of power and undue process before, during, and even after the actual voting process”.
The Governor bemoaned that Osun State was unduly militarised in an unprecedented manner through criminal intimidation and psychological assault on the people.
He was sad that the election witnessed an abuse of security agencies amounted to a corruption of their professional ethics and integrity.
He added that the security agencies were unprofessionally utilised in Osun State to harass, intimidate and oppress the people whose taxes were used to pay the salaries of the operatives.
“Hundreds of leaders, supporters, sympathisers and agents of our party were arrested and detained.
“Also, hundreds of other innocent citizens, including women and the aged were harassed, brutalised and traumatised.
“In spite of this condemnable repression and abuse of human rights, the unflagging spirit of our people triumphed.
“Our victory is due to the steadfastness and resolute determination of our people to assert and defend their rights. The PDP obviously did all it could in a most desperate manner to steal the people’s mandate,” Aregbesola said.
The Governor said “despite our victory, it is pertinent to condemn and also point out the fact that the number of accredited voters in most local governments was less than half of registered voters.
“Against this trend, it is curious that the bulk of the PDP candidate’s votes came from only four local governments-namely Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North and Ife South.”
Aregbesola said the outcome of this election reflected the unswerving determination of Osun people to ensure that democracy triumphs in Nigeria.
He noted that Osun people have sent a strong signal to all and sundry that no might is powerful enough to thwart the will of the people.
“This should always strengthen our resolve to ensure that as from now on, every vote must not only be counted in Osun but must count in this country as a whole.
“Nobody or party must ever exercise power unreasonably at any level except in accordance with the will of
the people to whom sovereignty belongs,” Aregbesola said.
Also speaking, Osun State Commissioner for Information, Sunday Akere, described Aregbesola’s victory as well deserved and that it reflected the will and wish of the people.
“Despite the money they disbursed, all the inducement they used to entice the voters, the shameless PDP could not go far because Governor Aregbesola is well loved by the people of this state,” he added.
Also speaking to our correspondent, PDP Secretary in Osun State, Bola Ajao, said the party’s leaders and its candidate would meet to determine the next line of action.
Omisore himself, while reacting, said he would not be deterred by the outcome of the election but move forward in life.
Omisore said in a statement by his media aide, Diran Odeyemi: “We would not be deterred because of the development”.
“What we lost is the Osun State gubernatorial election, we did not lose lives. We thank the Lord for everything. In all situations, I will continue to give glory to the Lord because the Lord knows better than us and He alone has answers to all questions.”
He said he would remain in the PDP, just as he hinted that he was still reflecting on the outcome of the election.
“Falling down is not new in politics, rising up is the strength of a good leader. We shall bounce back. Congratulations to the people of Osun State because we all won,” he added.
Also, Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Fatai Akinbade, said he has accepted the outcome of the election and congratulated the winner, Aregbesola, on his victory.
Akinbade, however, said his head remained unbowed, as he did not regret partaking in the election as the standard bearer of the LP.
In a statement by his Director Media, Kayode Oladeji, the LP candidate commended the process that eventually produced the winner.
President Goodluck Jonathan also congratulated Aregbesola on his victory.
A statement by Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, hours after the results were announced noted that the smooth conduct of the poll confirmed Jonathan’s commitment to ensuring that elections in Nigeria continue to be free and fair.
“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,” said the statement.
The President commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring that this happened, just as he commended the people of Osun for trooping out to cast their ballot knowing that their votes would count.
The statement also gave assurances that Jonathan would continue to work with Aregbesola to ensure better life for the residents of Osun.
Former military Head of State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari, similarly congratulated Aregbesola on his “resounding victory”.
In a statement on Sunday, Buhari also posted the acceptance speech of Aregbesola made after his declaration as winner and said he endorsed every word in it.
“Congratulations to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State for his resounding re-election victory,” Buhari added.
Former Vice President and chieftain of APC, Atiku Abubakar, also described Aregbesola’s victory as a measure of the popularity and acceptability of both the Governor and his party.
In a statement by his Media Office on Sunday, Atiku observed that the overwhelming victory recorded by the APC in the election was a clear indication that “Governor Aregbesola is very popular among the people of the state and thus the support given to him and the political party that presented him”.
Atiku, whose wife is an indigene of Osun State, also showed appreciation to the voters in Osun State for not letting him down as an in-law.
“The victory of Governor Aregbesola and the APC in the governorship election in Osun State is very symbolic. It shows clearly that my in-law and the incumbent Governor is very popular among his people of Osun State.
“It also shows significantly that the people of Osun State are at home with the APC and the mass oriented policies associated with our great party,” Atiku added.
On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, urged Aregbesola to be magnanimous in victory whenever he begins his second term in office.
The Speaker gave the advice in a congratulatory statement to Aregbesola on Sunday.
The Speaker’s statement was signed by his media aide, Imam Imam.
Tambuwal also congratulated Osun voters for exercising their democratic rights in a largely peaceful manner.
He said with the polls over, the onus is now on the political class in the state to rally round the Governor to enable him administer the state for the benefit its citizens.
“At the risk of sounding repetitive, let me reiterate what I have always said: that there is time for everything. There is time for politicking and time for governance.
“Now that politicking is over in Osun, I urge all stakeholders to tailor their energy towards delivering quality governance to the populace.”
Leader of opposition in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also in a statement issued on behalf of the opposition group in the House of congratulated the Osun State Governor over his victory.
Gbajabiamila, who is the APC Caucus Leader, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, saluted the people of Osun for standing against the “oppression by external forces.”
“His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for you it is veni vidi vici. You came you saw and you conquered. In spite of the forces unleashed against you, your victory was sweet and swift just as it was inevitable.
“On behalf of my APC colleagues in the House and all progressives, I congratulate you as you continue to lead the state and good people of Osun to the promised land for the next four years.”
Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, also congratulated Aregbesola.
Obanikoro, in a statement on Sunday conceded that Aregbesola’s victory is a confirmation of the goodwill he enjoys in Osun State.
He also congratulated the candidate of his party (PDP), Omisore, for his maturity and sportsmanship, as well as the security agents and INEC for their professional conduct during the election.
“I congratulate the good people of Osun State for once again re-affirming the will of democracy by their exceptional conduct during the just concluded gubernatorial elections.
“The people of Osun State have consolidated our hope in a democracy where violence-free elections are allowed to thrive.
“I enjoin all other citizens of our great country to emulate them as we prepare for another round of general elections early next year,” the minister said.
National leadership of the PDP also congratulated the Governor on his re-election.
The party, however, said it accepted to concede victory to the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the interest of the nation’s democracy.
The election process itself, the party said, “was not too palatable”.
The party also commended its candidate, Iyiola Omisore, for his impressive outing “which confirms that PDP commands massive followership in the state”.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh.
The statement also praised the President for providing a conducive atmosphere for the election to hold.
“After a careful appraisal of the overall conduct of the election, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in spite of perceived anomalies, hereby accepts the results and congratulates Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his re-election.
“This is entirely in the interest of the growth of democracy, peace and political stability of the country in line with PDP’s ideology and the visions of our founding fathers,” the statement said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, also congratulated his “brother Governor for a well-deserved victory”.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, Fashola hailed Aregbesola, the people and government of the State of Osun for “a well-fought and won election in spite of intimidation and harassment by agencies of the ruling opposition party who sought to militarise the State during the event”.
The Governor said the victory of Aregbesola “on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of the State of Osun would remain a strong indicator of the victory of truth over falsehood”.
He pointed out that no matter the amount of pressure or intimidation to suppress them, the ultimate power rests on the people in a democracy.
“The ordinary people of the State of Osun have spoken the truth about their Governor and the people-oriented policies of the All Progressives Congress.
“It could be possible to deny what is being said but certainly it is not possible to deny what the eyes could see.
“The State of Osun, like every other State under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, remains a proof of our resolve to lead the people of Nigeria to a better rewarding future,” he said.
Fashola also congratulated all members and supporters as well as the leadership of the APC nationwide for the well-deserved victory, urging them to work harder towards the other tasks ahead.
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, was not left out.
He congratulated Aregbesola and described the result of the poll as the triumph of democracy and the rule of law.
This was contained in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Festus Adedayo.
Ajimobi said the wild jubilation that trailed the announcement of Aregbesola as winner showed that the result was representative of the will of the people of Osun State.
While describing Aregbesola’s victory as a well-deserved one, the Governor attributed it to outstanding performance of his Osun State counterpart in his first term as well as the love of the people of the state for APC and the ideals which the party stood for.
Ajimobi commended the people of Osun State for their “collective resolve to say `No’ to the reactionary forces” who, he said, were bent on returning the state to the path of retrogression and for voting for continuity of good governance which the Aregbesola administration represented.
Meanwhile, Osun Development Agenda (ODA) has saluted the courage of the people for trooping out to vote Aregbesola for second term despite the heavy presence of security agents.
The group also congratulated the Governor and commended INEC for improving on their performance.
It tasked them to prepare more for the 2015 general elections.
A statement in Osogbo by Deputy Convener of the Group, Ramon Shenge, urged the Governor to see the victory as a challenge to be more dedicated to welfare of the people to ensure steady progress.
Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Group (COSEG) also described the victory of Aregbesola as victory for good governance.
COSEG Chairman, Ifedayo Ogunlana, in a statement stressed that the victory should be dedicated to the people of Osun who voted massively for the candidate of their choice despite intimidation and harassment.
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