Osun election justifies Tinubu’s commitment to democracy – Okotie-Eboh
Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh Commends Osun Election, Cites President Tinubu’s Democratic Values
By Jeremiah Urowayino
Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, son of the late First Republic Finance Minister Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, praised the recent Osun State governorship election as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles. The election resulted in a victory for Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who defeated Bola Olubamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okotie-Eboh expressed that Tinubu’s decision to refrain from interfering in the electoral process underscores his dedication to genuine democracy in Nigeria. He argued that the President’s neutrality undermined the expectations of political opponents who anticipated his involvement in the election.
“It is a popular saying that when your neighbor’s child does something commendable, one should have the courage to praise them,” Okotie-Eboh stated. He characterized Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the will of the Osun electorate and as evidence of Tinubu’s impartiality in political affairs.
“Governor Adeleke, having assessed his standing with the people, chose to challenge the status quo by seeking re-election through the Accord Party, which ultimately led to a decisive win over the APC candidate,” he remarked.
Okotie-Eboh emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s non-interference, stating it allowed for a fair and transparent election process. He praised the President for facilitating the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in overseeing the election.
“The true democrat in Tinubu was evident during the era of NADECO, when he not only campaigned against anti-democratic forces at great personal risk but also worked toward restoring democracy in Nigeria,” Okotie-Eboh noted.
He urged recognition of Tinubu’s administrative skills and called for continuity in his policies to ensure the successful implementation of critical national programs. “The challenges faced by the Tinubu administration are considerable, requiring the resolve of a skilled leader to navigate them effectively,” he stated.
Commenting on national security, Okotie-Eboh mentioned the need for ongoing reforms and enhanced support for security personnel to address escalating challenges, which he attributed to both domestic and foreign influences.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential economic benefits of infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the removal of the fuel subsidy, asserting these actions have begun to stabilize the oil and gas sector.
According to Okotie-Eboh, the government’s reported financial recoveries and the substantial savings of approximately $53 trillion further illustrate the progress being made. He urged for continued efforts to uphold these achievements, stressing the importance of appointments based on merit and expertise within the administration.
In summary, Okotie-Eboh asserted that the consolidation of these legacy projects and policies is essential for Nigeria’s advancement and should remain a focus of Tinubu’s leadership.
