Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has blamed Osun State’s persistent poverty on years of poor leadership, urging residents to elect the right candidate in the forthcoming governorship election.
Fadahunsi spoke with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday shortly after the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for the August 15, 2027, Osun governorship election.
He said although Osun is richly endowed with mineral resources, fertile agricultural land and human capital, successive administrations have failed to harness these assets for the benefit of the people.
“My advice to the people of Osun State is that they should come out en masse and vote for the right candidate. You know my right candidate, and people like us are behind him.
“Osun is a very rich state, one of the richest in Nigeria in terms of its natural resources and human potential, but unfortunately, the state remains poor. We have enormous potential, but the right leadership and collective responsibility have been lacking.
“Government should not be treated as a family business. We have had that situation for too long. This time, we need leadership that will take responsibility and harness the resources of the state for the benefit of the people”, he said.
The senator also lamented the poor utilisation of the state’s mineral and agricultural resources, warning that illegal mining is degrading the environment and threatening livelihoods.
He said, “Osun has enormous mineral resources, but these resources have not been properly harnessed for the benefit of the people. Agriculture is another area where we have tremendous potential.
“If you go to Osun today, you will see the devastating effects of illegal mining. Our rivers are being polluted and our farmlands degraded. Illegal mining is destroying the environment and threatening agriculture.
“This is why we need a new era of leadership—one that understands the economy, agriculture, mineral resources and the environment and knows how to manage them responsibly.”
Fadahunsi said the state requires competent and people-focused leadership that prioritises good governance over politics.
In his words, “We need a leader who knows what he is doing; a leader who understands governance and will not turn government into a performance or entertainment.
“We are launching a new era. Osun needs a new direction and a new approach to governance that will put the interests of the people first.”
He also called for impartial investigation of allegations of political violence and other criminal activities, insisting that no individual should be above the law.
Expressing confidence in the APC’s chances in the election, the lawmaker urged voters to hold public office holders accountable and reject political distractions.
“The people should understand their rights and responsibilities. They should not be deceived by political rhetoric or distractions but focus on good governance and accountability.”
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