Makinde engages religious bodies towards successful governorship election in Oyo

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has sought the cooperation of religious bodies in the state towards successful governorship and house of assembly elections in the state on Saturday.

The religious bodies comprised of traditional, Islamic and Christianity, with the aim of working for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Makinde, who was represented at the Interfaith Stakeholders Engagement Meeting, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference room, by his Executive Assistant on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe yesterday, noted that the engagement was basically to appeal further to the faith communities, through their leaders, across the length and breath of the stateState to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that has been enjoyed since the beginning of his administration until now.

He maintained that the appeal became expedient, particulary, as the state is going for its gubernatorial and state assembly elections in a few days time, adding that his desire is for the state to remain United, undivided and closely knitted people after the whole exercise is over.

His words: ” Elections will come and go, our desire is to remain as one united, undivided and closely knitted people after the whole exercise is over.”

“I commend the leadership being provided by our religious leaders towards ensuring that there is peace and harmony in our land, particularly among the various people of faith in Oyo State.”

“We have called for this meeting today with a view to appealing further to the faith communities, through our leaders, across the length and breath of Oyo State to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that we have enjoyed since the beginning of the Administration of Governor Seyi Makinde until now.”

“Our appeal is particularly expedient at this time as we go to the polls for the gubernatorial and state assembly elections in four days time, precisely on March 11, 2023. Elections will come and go, our desire is to remain as one united, undivided and closely knitted people after the whole exercise is over.”

“It is important that we remind our people that all power belongs to God Almighty and it is He that gives power to whosoever He wills. Under a democratic dispensation as this, the choice of whom God has graciously given the authority to lead the people is usually manifested through the inalienable rights of the people to vote and be voted for.”

“Although I am seeking a reelection, it is up to the good people of Oyo State to vote for me to return as their Governor for another four years.”

“This is the kind of disposition we want our religious leaders to commend to the people. Election is not a do or die affair. It is an opportunity for the people to freely choose their leaders without any form of bias, intimidation or coercion.”

The governor, said, while he is offering himself for reelection, he wanted the people to carefully appraise his stewardship in the last four years as a basis for their decision to choose him over others.

“From Ibadan to Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, Saki, Iseyin and across other towns in Oyo State, the good works have spoken so loudly and have been attested to by the people.”

“We sincerely want to plead with the electorates not to allow our religious differences to be used as a tool to misjudge any of the candidates, to sow seeds of hatred, to instigate conflict or to cause unnecessary disaffection among us as a people.”

“Our youths should be encouraged to stay away from being used by politicians to carry out any form of nefarious activity that could undermine the process of electing our representatives into the various public offices.”

“Thuggery, intimidation of electorates and ballot box snatching are criminal offences according to our electoral laws that we must dissuade them from being part of.”

“Regardless of the religion that we variously profess, we all share in the pain of poverty induced by bad leadership or the joy of prosperity that good leaders bring.”

“Whether it is with respect to the suffering of poverty or the enjoyment of prosperity, there is no discrimination among us; we all experience the same things under good or bad leadership. Hence, it is critically important that we place the good of all above our individual religious beliefs.”

“In choosing those to lead us, therefore, let us not allow religious sentiments to becloud our sense of judgment. Our major consideration should not be with respect to the religion they practice but rather it must necessarily be based on the verifiable good works that they have used their offices and positions to achieve in the past.”

“Finally, we will also like to appeal to all the other stakeholders in the forthcoming elections to conduct their various oversights and activities only in ways that engender peace and stability in the land.”

“We want the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections to go down in the history of Oyo State as the most peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible elections that was ever conducted in the annals of our history as a State.”

“God bless you all and thank you once again for your formidable partnership and consistent collaboration with our Administration towards the development of our State,” the governor stated

Responding in their seperate remarks, representatives of the various religious bodies vowed to speak to their adherent not to allow to be used for nefarious activities by desperate politians, during and after the elections, slated for Saturday, March 11.

Ends