Opinion: ‘Letter to my fellow co-workers in Osun’

I write not as an APC or PDP sympathizer. I am writing as a once oppressed Osun Civil Servant, whose tailor mother was thrown out of business by the Government in the past, but who is now liberated and getting close to the Promised Land. I believe I am not alone in this ordeal. Many must have had the same or worse experience.

I was once oppressed because my salary was irregular. I had received a month salary 4 different times before. But today, I get paid regularly. I can plan with it. I make purchases on credit and promise to pay by month end without any fear. My mother is back to her business. We look forward to every beginning of school resumption without fear of where children’s school fees will come from.

Who made all these possible ? Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. Does he have a choice ? Yes , he does. He has one and a thousand excuses not to pay full salaries. As I write, I know of four states that earn more than Osun but have not paid last month’s salary, while some are owing four months arrears.

Some will say the Government is owing 30 months which was inherited from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Oyetola is not saying anything about it. Hmmm, if Oyetola is not paying full salaries, can we talk about these 30 months? People say Oyetola was Aregbesola’s Chief of Staff. True. But as civil servants, we know what transpired unless some of us want to be mischievous. Is it possible for Oyetola to override the decision of Aregbesola as Governor? Only the then Finance Commissioner, Bolorunduro and Aregbesola can explain how they brought Osun to its knees financially.

We mustn’t be deceived. With what Oyetola has done so far, if he was given free hand to help run Aregbesola’s administration, it wouldn’t end the way it did.

I will leave us with this quote from one of our leaders, Comrade Kehinde Ogungbangbe, the Osun NULGE President: “Mr. Governor, Sir, I want to say with utmost sincerity that we are highly fortunate to have you as our father and Governor. Your level of humility and milk of kindness have brought peace and stability to our union in particular and the State in general. Osun State is no more in the news for the wrong reasons. We are happy to be associated with you. The Almighty God will continue to be with you.

“Your Excellency, we are quite aware of the forthcoming 2022 governorship election in the State. We are not unaware of lies and cries of numerous opposition both within and without. Your Excellency, we are also quite aware that God who gave you victory against all odds in 2018 is still on the throne. Your God is not sleeping. We will support you and campaign vigorously for your victory, come next year.”

Let’s not fall for the antics of the opposition and those who don’t wish the state well. For the sake of our future and that of our unborn children, the Oyetola that we know should be supported for a second term.

I am not afraid to canvass for votes openly for our humble, humane and integrity-pernonified Governor. But the opposition are desperate. Their collaborators too are no different. After July election when Oyetola must have been declared winner by the mighty name of Jesus of Calvary, you will see me.