Osun 2018: For Our Redemption Or Prolonged Harrowing

By Kabiru Adeniyi Adisa FCA

Each time the forthcoming governorship election in Osun state popped up on my mind, I usually feel uneasy because of the uncertainty that its outcome will bear on the future of the state. I have troubles trying to guess what the line of thoughts of the people will be on who deserves their mandate on September 22.

Sticking with the deceptions of the last eight years or resolving to embrace freedom? That has actually been the confusions that run through my mind on Osun people choice when they cast their ballots. But whatever their choices is, there will always be an effect.

The truth, which almost every Osun indigenes are conversant with, is that Osun is at crossroad, battling survival after repeated assaults on our collective patrimony. When Rauf Aregbesola entered into the political scene of Osun state, expectations were overwhelming and hopes that he would add value to the situation of the people was high.

Alas, it was a wrong and unnecessary stake on someone whose antecedent Osun people failed to examine before queuing behind him to lead the state. It was a decision that have come to haunt us because not only the public sector is shattered with inconsistent policies, businesses and lifelines are almost depleted.

Students have spent more days at home than in schools owing to recurring strike actions. Workers have seen a modulated salary structure forced on them and deductions are not remitted to the designated accounts. Even our senior citizens are not spared as they go several months without their arrears being paid and are easily lost to avoidable deaths because of their inability to buy drugs.

The debt burden of the state is frightening and threatens future revenue derivations. Even the wage bill of Osun state doesn’t reflect the correct figure of disbursements. It is just a pathetic situation and calls for proper reflection before we make our choice on September 22.

As depressing as the situation seemed, it can be salvaged if we refuse the same mistake that put Osun in this precarious state. Our choices on September 22 will preface the future and what to expect. APC and Aregbesola have proven to be undeserving of leadership responsibility and we shouldn’t reinforce FAILURE as former president Olusegun Obasanjo would advise.

Though, many candidates have shown interest in governing Osun state but I found one to be a worthy choice. He is no other but Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti of the Action Democratic Party (ADP). As highlighted earlier, Osun is in a precarious state and require someone with proven capacity to liberate Osun from the pang of misgovernance that have pervaded our state for too long.

His records over the years are testimony of his capability to bring about a new dawn for Osun state. Going through his mission for the state clearly revealed a man prepared for leadership as he had taken his time to appraise the issues in Osun state and was able to come up with propable remedies to change the narratives that had impeded the growth and development of the state.

Osun needs redemption and Adeoti is better prepared to offer it.