By Denrele Animasaun

“Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination, in cooperation, not intimidation”-William Arthur Ward

I don’t know what the voters in Osun State were expecting, but last Saturday’s election was one of intrigue and anticipation. I will say this, it was followed avidly beyond Osun State and Nigeria. There was drama which runs up to the election. I was forwarded an email last week, with pictures attached of security agents with balaclavas, armed to the teeth. They poured on to the streets and also dispatched some to block the Freedom Square where workers supporting the governor were holding a rally.

There were also reports of bullion vans escorted by heavy security. Deja vu, this was very much reminiscent of Ekiti’s pre-election. People were right to feel harassed and intimidated. This is not acceptable and it seems that FG is being a bully in the guise of ensuring a free and fair election.  No. Even the coordinator, of the European Union election delegates, Paul Edward confirmed that they witnessed election abuses committed by security agents deployed to Osun State by the big FG. He urges the Governor to seek redress through the courts”.

In their meeting with the Governor, he stated, “we are here to congratulate your Excellency, on your victory in Saturday’s election”. He wanted to find out he said, from the governor about the conduct of the election and if he would like to complain, that he would chose the legal option to seek remedy.

It seems that he is not the only one. Omisore is not happy either. In fact, he does not agree with the outcome and he has written a letter of complaint to protest. That as far as he was concerned he was very much the favoured and the leading candidate for the post. So far as he is concerned, it is not over yet. It is not very gallant of him to hint that result favouring the governor threatens the peace and stability of the state. This does look on his rap sheets as some sees him as prone to aggression. If I were him, he should look over to Ekiti.

GEJ has sent his congratulations via his media supremo, Abati. In the communiqué it said: “He (Jona) believes the election to be free, fair and peaceful (election), that it fully reaffirmed his administration’s positively. He applauds the people of Osun who came out en masse to exercise their democratic rights”. And of course, he “wishes the governor continued good health and successful 2nd term in office”.

So, why has Omisore not accepted that he was not the peoples’ choice?  PDP huncho, Alkali has confirmed that the election:” was a painful day for the party, because PDP candidate and the party did their homework. And they “know that Osun is tired of what is happening in the state” on the other hand I they took the loss badly.

Seriously, this is not about any political party, it is about the people of Osun and they resoundedly voted for Ogbeni. They wanted a safe hand and continuity. They should be congratulated for voting with the feet and their conscience.

As for the intimidation and harassment, the governor (and still the governor), said of the action by these masked agents, that they “took over the administration of security with impunity and created an adverse situation in the state.” He added that “there was a deliberate attempt to muzzle the people’s voice. He warned they must prevent the federal government from arbitrarily invading the territory of government within the federal structure. This is a whole sale abuse of power. I cannot agree more, Ogbeni. The big FG is the one that needs a muzzle and calls its skivvies to heel and tighten the leash as that rabid goons will turn on the hand that feeds it.He won fair and square

The pattern is predictable they breed these runaway hooligans to do their bidding and then throw them to the out once they have won the election.  The problem is what happens to these murderous, undisciplined ragtag goons parading as agents and armed agents? Well, they become tomorrow’s gun for hire. This is a dangerous game and there are no winners here as ordinary Nigerians will be victims as usual.

Ayinke is 74!
Ayinke Okin, omo olofa, you are a mum extraordinaire,  a tour de force, your dazzling smile and joire de vive is a unique  experience, out of one ,we are many, You are the centre in which the family revolves, you  care  and still offer your loving   and  motherly  warmth  no matter how near or far  we are to  you. You love us so  deeply and I wonder how you have so much  love to  give to others. We wish you joy, good health and gratitude for your life. As my dad fondly calls you Ayinkus, you are a wonderful human being, wife, mother, sister, aunty, grandmother and much more. We love you so very much.