By Samuel Akpan
After taking the reins as Osun Governor, Mr Ademola Adeleke, is to battle with about N73.6 billion debt his predecessor, ex-Gov. Gboyega Oyetolan of APC left for his administration.
The state’s debt picture was contained in a statement released by Oyetola while exiting office on Saturday.
Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), took oath of office about 11:50am on Sunday before a capacity crowd at Osogbo City Stadium amid excitement and jubilation by thousands of people.
Persecondnews had reported that the oath of office was administered by Osun Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.
In his inaugural speech, Adeleke told the people that it will be no longer business as usual promising his administration would demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency and justice in the discharge of its duties.
“Let me state here that from the education, health, mining sector, agriculture, road infrastructure and supply of potable water, let it be known to all that it is no longer going to be business as usual. And I repeat, it is no longer business as usual.
“Our administration will demonstrate a high sense of urgency, transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and poor infrastructure.
“I am well aware of the fact that my responsibility as the Governor and Chief Security Officer of Osun State entails meeting the legitimate expectations of our people.
“Therefore, I promise that those expectations of the workers, traders, artisans, farmers, business owners, students, pensioners, traditional and religious leaders and indeed all residents of Osun State will be met by the grace of God and the cooperation of everyone,” Adeleke said.
Also promising to be a servant and not a boss, the governor said: “As I accept the mantle of leadership entrusted upon me by the people of our dear state, I am conscious of the enormous challenges and responsibilities ahead of me.
“And l will begin from this hour to work day and night with deep sense of purpose to be a servant to you all.”
Adeleke has also frozen the accounts of the state government in all the banks across the state.
Meanwhile, Oyetola, who won the 2018 gubernatorial election in September 2018 under controversial circumstances, has vowed to challenge the results of 2022 poll at the State Election Tribunal won by Adeleke.
In a valedictory statement, the former governor disclosed that he inherited N170.6 billion debt from ex-Gov. Rauf Aregesola’s APC administration.
He claimed that his administration had offset the debt to the tune of N97 billion, leaving Adeleke to contend with N73.6 billion debt.
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