AS the preparations for the September 22 governorship poll in Osun gather momentum, the United States government on Wednesday in Osogbo said it would closely follow all processes before, during and after the exercise as parts of its commitment to ensuring the conduct of the fair, credible and acceptable election.
This disclosure was made by the United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington during another visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola at his campaign office in Osogbo.
According to a statement signed by one of the media aides of Oyetola, Mrs Dayo Fasola, which was forwarded to the Tribune in Osogbo, the envoy was quoted to have said that “The US and the International community are following keenly all proceedings before, during and after the upcoming elections.”
Symington stated that ‘”it is a great honour to be here once again at the Gboyega Oyetola Campaign Organisation. And to meet with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Isiaka Oyetola. It is extraordinarily important for every son and daughter of this place to ensure all hands are on the deck as we the US and infact other members of the international community are doing. Because they are the first and major stakeholders”
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According to him, “it is critical for them to know that anyone who isn’t from this state shouldnt have a candidate, they should only play supportive roles, because in the end, it would be just them and their generation next, they should break no branches, but ensure they build bridges for a better future. Because this applies not just to upcoming Osun election, but the entire Nigeria hence why Osun’s trend is critical. We would all be watching with great keen interest that this goes peacefully and fairly”.
However, while speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, Oyetola said he was happy with the second visit of the US ambassador, just as he reaffirmed the commitment of his party to the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial poll.
Amongst other members of Oyetola team that received the envoy were Prince Bayo Adeleke, Chief Moshood Adekunle Oluawo, Alhaji Sule Aderemi, Mr Richard Tinubu, Eng Sola Oladepo, Mr Kunle Akande and Mr Jamiu Olawumi
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