…says elections are not do-or-die affairs
Ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the July 16 governorship election in Osun, the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged politicians to play according to the rules of the game and avoid anything that could threaten the peace of the State.
Oyetola said politics should not be seen as a do–or–die affair, hence the need for loyalists and supporters of candidates and political parties in the state to maintain decorum and guide their public conduct before, during, and after the polls.
The governor noted that his administration would leave no stone unturned to maintain the already instituted atmosphere –of peace reigning in the State.
He spoke on Monday while addressing journalists shortly after observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at Osogbo Central Eid Praying Ground Osogbo.
The Governor who stressed the need for citizens to be the vanguards of peace and reflect the same in their private and public conduct noted that the State needs to guard and sustain its peace more than ever before, as the gubernatorial and general elections draw near.
According to him, peace is sine-qua-non to development and nothing can substitute peace as it remains the only factor through which all that is good most especially real development can happen to the State and her people.
‘’I want to enjoin my fellow politicians to play according to the rules. Politics is not a do–or–die affair; there should be decorum in the way we do our campaigns.
We should allow peace to reign and eschew anything capable of threatening the existing peace of our State,’’ Oyetola said.
The governor also seized the opportunity to once again congratulate the Muslim Ummah for witnessing yet another Eid-el-Fitr celebration just as he urged them to take to the lessons of Ramadan to heart.
He enjoined them to continue to have the fear of God, obey His Commandments and be their brother’s keepers.
‘’We thank the Almighty Allah for making it possible for us to witness today. I urge our people to have the fear of God, always. I also want to enjoin our parents and guardians to train their children with fairness and fear of God,’’ he added.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasahun congratulated Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year Eid-el-Fitr just as he charged them to always obey the commandments of Allah.
The Chief Imam also prayed to Allah to grant the Governor his heart desires, especially as he prepares to face the election, come July 16.