Governor Ademola Adeleke has described Saturday’s presidential election as a milestone in the nation’s democratic development.

Mr Adeleke said this in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo. 

The Osun governor urged eligible voters in the state to actively participate in the poll, which he said would go a long way in deciding the nation’s future.

“My good people of Osun state, the general election is here and we have a patriotic duty to actively join the electioneering process. Your vote is your power and your ticket to securing good governance for yourselves and our future generation,” stated the governor. “Our government has declared today a public holiday.”

He added, “All eligible voters must take up their voting cards and get set for the historical elections tomorrow.”

Mr Adeleke said electoral authorities had provided an enabling environment for free and fair elections. According to him, security agencies have also mobilised to protect citizens as they exercise their constitutional rights.

“Let me use this medium to warn against electoral violence. Security agencies are under strict instruction to clamp down on hoodlums and agents of violence,” added the Osun governor. “I have equally instructed service commanders to arrest thugs wherever they may be. This election must be held under a peaceful atmosphere. Democracy is about choice, not killing and maiming.”

He also urged “all of us as agents and lovers of democracy to make Osun state” the most peaceful throughout this election period.

“We are peace-loving people, and we must remain so, now and all the time,” Mr Adeleke said. 

(NAN)