The Former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, Prof. Raphael Afonja, says the Appeal Court will affirm the wishes of the people of Osun State and upturn judgement delivered by the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal which sacked Senator Ademola Adeleke as governor of the state.
The Igbajo-born politician said this in a statement made available to Journalists by his media office on Monday.
Afonja stated, “The people of Osun State spoke emphatically at the July 16, 2022 Governorship election during which they gave the mandate to Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke to liberate the State from the effect of past bad governance and set it on the path of progress.
“Being a politician well grounded in Osun State, I was fully on ground on the day of this election and I observed that the people chose Gov. Adeleke without coercion and with full regard for the provisions of the electoral act 2022. It was indeed surprising that despite the heavy financial inducements of the All Progressives Congress at the said poll, the people stood with a firm resolve to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party and their voice had the backing of God.
“Having succeeded in electing the man after their own heart however, it is saddening that the Tribunal allowed itself to be used by unscrupulous elements who are bent on perpetuating themselves in power, to pervert the course of justice through a judgment that did not only offend the sensibilities of Osun people, but also violated the very clear provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
“However, I am convinced that the Appellate Court, headed by incorruptible Judges with impeccable track records, will restore the mandate of our people and set aside the judgment of the Election Tribunal.
“It is noteworthy that the people of Osun State, in their large numbers, have even openly expressed their displeasure and have protested against this travesty of justice. I was privileged to take part in one of the protests convened by women from across the State. These women, young and old, mobilized themselves massively to protest against this attempt to steal a mandate they freely gave. Such display of raw love for Gov. Adeleke and commitment to his continued stay in office as Governor.
“The widespread protests is a clear signal that the people of Osun State are resolute about their love for Gov. Adeleke and will go to any length to defend the mandate they freely handed to him.
“I am convinced, having traversed several towns and villages in Osun State, that Governor Adeleke is popular, loved and has the natural backing of the people of our dear State. The miscarriage of justice by the Election Tribunal cannot change this fact.”
Speaking about his political involvements in Osun State, the Professor of Engineering at the City University of New York and Visiting Professor at the University of North Dakota, Afonja said that Adeleke had passionately swung into action upon resumption of office, bringing together seasoned technocrats to help steer the affairs of the State.
Afonja added, “This same man that hit the ground running, making all efforts to develop our State, is the one some antisocial elements are plotting to snatch his mandate.
“I came back home to Osun after years of work in America and some years of service as Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, upon the invitation of Gov. Adeleke, to contribute my expertise to the big vision that Mr. Governor has for our dear State.
“Such a man, trying to rally accomplished Osun professionals at home and abroad, to come help him develop the State is the one some persons are trying so hard to cheat. These evil plots will fail because a man who means well for his people, has the backing of God and cannot be displaced by the scheming of evil men.
“I am in touch with my friends and supporters across the State to ensure that they not only remain steadfast in their support of Gov. Adeleke, but to also ensure that by February 25, they reemphasize this support for the Peoples Democratic Party, by voting massively for Alh. Atiku Abubakar, whose mandate will not only deliver Nigeria, but will also provide the needed strategic support for Gov. Adeleke to perform excellently in Osun.
“I have interacted personally and up close with Alh. Atiku Abubakar and I have confidence in his sincerity, his willingness to serve and his deep knowledge of the issues bedeviling the country. He is definitely the best man to save Nigeria from this point of imminent collapse that the APC-led Federal Government has put it.
The statement concluded with a charge to the people of Osun State to support Alh. Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid as it is what Nigeria needs at this time to bring back the glory days and put the Nation on the trajectory of growth and development that it should be on.”
