BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
FORMER Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Wednesday, urged the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, not to engage in activities that would make the state ungovernable for Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
He also called for calm, following the controversy that had been sparked by the minister’s planned visit to the state for an #EndSARS-related peace dialogue, on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Recall that Oyetola’s second anniversary celebration is slated for Friday, November 27, 2020.
Oyinlola advised Aregbesola, the immediate past governor of Osun State, to choose another date for his visit, pointing out that he did not give his predecessor, Bisi Akande any problem and vice versa.
He said, “It is necessary that I put my own experience on record. I took over from Chief Bisi Akande in May 2003 and, I can say that throughout my almost eight years in government, and despite our political differences, Akande never gave me any problem.
“It is common knowledge that Mr Aregbesola took over from me, and, despite the circumstances of his coming to that office, I did not do anything to undermine his authority throughout his eight years in government. That is the spirit with which I appeal that the Interior Minister (Aregbesola) avoid doing anything that will suggest a plan to make the state ungovernable for Mr Oyetola.”
The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain added, “As a former governor of that state, I plead that we give peace a chance. The state has witnessed enough unnecessary crises in recent weeks coupled with the Coronavirus pandemic, which has upended people’s economy and general wellbeing. Our people are suffering; they deserve a respite from all forms of crises as they struggle to make ends meet.
“All of us former governors, as leaders of our people, we all have a stake in making Osun State to work for the good of our people who have had to deal with one hardship or the other. We will be seen as doing that when we avoid making the job of the incumbent governor difficult for him. May God help our state and its people in this difficult time.”
