Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke announced on Tuesday that his administration has settled over N80 billion in inherited pension debt and cleared more than two-thirds of outstanding half-salary arrears owed to workers in the state. He made the disclosure at a town hall meeting organized by Arise TV for candidates contesting the August 15 Osun governorship election, where he presented his four-year scorecard and outlined his agenda for a second term.
Governor Highlights Worker Welfare Achievements
Adeleke said the welfare of civil servants and pensioners ranks among his proudest achievements in office. "The pensioners, senior citizens, are happy with me. The workers love me. The first job of a government is the welfare of the people. I fulfilled that responsibility," he said.
He added that many considered those debts unserviceable when he took office in 2022. "It was not possible to pay the accumulated half-salary and pension debts, but I've shown the world that if there is political will, difficult issues can be resolved," Adeleke said.
Four-Year Scorecard: Infrastructure and Social Projects
Beyond workers' welfare, the governor listed a string of infrastructure and social projects his administration completed, including 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges, six dualised roads, rehabilitation of over 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools, the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the purchase of 31 new tractors, and the disbursement of almost N2 billion in cooperative funds.
Adeleke originally won the 2022 governorship election on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform but has since moved to the Accord Party, which is sponsoring his re-election bid. He said the decision to leave the PDP was painful. "I love PDP so much, and it was difficult to leave. I would have run as an independent candidate in this election if it were allowed in Nigeria," he said.
Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Police Conduct
The governor used the forum to raise serious concerns about the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force ahead of Saturday's election. He said officers had been arresting members of his party and alleged direct police involvement in plans to rig the poll.
"On a daily basis, the police are arresting my members. Yesterday alone, four Accord leaders were again arrested. I've lost seven members of my party, with over 20 suffering various gun injuries. Over 60 Accord members are in various illegal police detention," Adeleke said.
He said he had written to President Bola Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu over the matter, calling for impartial security arrangements. "The job of the police is to provide security, not to interfere in the electoral process. I am asking for a free and fair election. Nothing more," he added.
On the recent freeze of government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Adeleke said he was grateful for presidential intervention and that he had been assured of a level playing field. He urged Osun residents to avoid violence and allow the vote to proceed peacefully.
In a related development, Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, issued a direct warning to Adeleke ahead of the election. In a statement on Tuesday, August 11, released through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, and sent to Legit.ng, Primate Ayodele said President Bola Tinubu is closely watching the election and is determined to see Adeleke removed from office.
