Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has said his administration has paid more than N80 billion in inherited pension liabilities and cleared over two-thirds of the state’s outstanding half-salary arrears.
Adeleke made the disclosure on Tuesday during the Arise TV town hall meeting for candidates contesting the August 15 Osun governorship election.
The governor said he was particularly proud of his administration’s record on workers’ welfare, noting that the state inherited significant financial obligations when he assumed office in 2022.
“I’m proud of all I have achieved in the last four years. But specifically, I am happy about workers’ welfare,” Adeleke said.
According to him, his administration has paid more than two-thirds of the inherited half-salary debt and over N80 billion in pension obligations.
“Our government has paid over two-thirds of the half-salary debt. We have paid over N80 billion of inherited pension debt,” he said.
Adeleke also said his administration had introduced reforms aimed at improving the public service and the welfare of workers and pensioners.
He described the welfare of citizens as one of the primary responsibilities of government, adding that the positive response from workers and pensioners gave him satisfaction.
Adeleke Lists Projects, Achievements
The governor also presented what he described as his administration’s scorecard, listing road construction, healthcare, education and agricultural interventions among his major achievements.
He said his administration had constructed 350 kilometres of roads, three flyovers and six dualised roads, while also rehabilitating more than 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools.
Adeleke also cited the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the purchase of 31 tractors and the disbursement of almost N2 billion in cooperative funds as part of his administration’s achievements.
“Before talking about the next tenure, let me list what I have achieved so far,” he said.
Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Election Security
The governor also expressed concerns about the conduct of security personnel ahead of Saturday’s election.
He alleged that members and supporters of his party had been arrested and attacked, claiming that several Accord members had been killed or injured.
Adeleke said he had raised his concerns with President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, while calling for security agencies to remain neutral.
“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 said.
He urged residents to reject violence and allow voters to freely choose their preferred candidate.
‘I’m a Bulldozer’
Adeleke also returned to his earlier description of himself as a “bulldozer”, saying he was not intimidated by the political backing enjoyed by the APC candidate.
He said the support of governors for his opponent would not determine the outcome of the election because they would not be the ones casting votes in Osun.
“I’m not worried that I’m contesting against a party that has 34 governors; I’m a bulldozer. If they like, they should bring all their governors,” Adeleke said.
The governor is seeking another four-year term in office on the platform of the Accord Party.
Source: Arise TV Town Hall.
