By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AHEAD of the Osun governorship election, Non-indigenes in the State, weekend, resolved to back the re-election bid of the incumbent Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The non-indigenes including those from the southern part of the country and Middle-Belt – Benue and Plateau States made their declaration and full support known for Adeleke’s re-election after a crucial meeting convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Non-Indigenes from the South, Benue and Plateau States, Hon. Nworie Monday Michael, at a town-hall meeting in Ede, Osun State.

The convener, Hon Michael, urged them not to heat up the polity rather should remain calm and committed to peace, unity and the progress of Osun State, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

Meanwhile, he advised them to take the advantage of continued engagement with members of their communities and encourage them to participate actively in the democratic process.

He said: “I encourage all the attendees to go out and continue gaining more ambassadors for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and prepare for the big task ahead on August 15 for the re-election of our ever-performing Governor in your various units.”

He also stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the electoral process, urging voters to remain vigilant and law-abiding during the election, “Casting your vote alone does not win an election in our country today.

“One must stand firm to protect one’s vote and deter anti-democratic agents from manipulating the process. I equally encourage you that if there are challenges anywhere, please reach out to me.”

He further assured the participants of his continued availability to address challenges affecting non-indigenous residents and promote stronger relationships between the various communities and the government.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Mustapha Adisa Akintegbe, provided participants with practical voter education on the electoral process.

He urged eligible voters who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so, stressing that active participation in elections remained an important civic responsibility.

Akintegbe also demonstrated the voting process and explained the proper procedure for casting a valid vote, while emphasising the importance of protecting the ballot and ensuring that votes are properly counted.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for community leaders to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations among the diverse ethnic groups residing in Osun State.

The participants noted that the diversity of the state should be viewed as a strength and an opportunity to promote greater understanding, cooperation and development.

They commended the Adeleke administration for its inclusive approach to governance and for recognising the contributions of non-indigenous residents to the social and economic development of Osun State.

The gathering was attended by leaders of Eze Ndigbo across Osun State; the Tor Tiv of Osun State; the Ader Igede of Osun State; the Olorogun of Urhobo in Osun State; Hon. Ochulor Sunday Eze, Special Adviser to the Governor and State Coordinator for Non-Indigenes from the South, Benue and Plateau States; and Hon. Ugwu Anthony, Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, among other government officials and community leaders.

The town hall meeting ended with a renewed call for unity, peaceful coexistence and responsible civic participation among the various non-indigenous communities in Osun State.

The participants also pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony, inclusion and good governance, while reaffirming their readiness to contribute positively to the development and stability of Osun State.