Adeleke urges protesters to embrace dialogue to achieve demands

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has urged the End Bad Governance protesters in the state to embrace dialogue in order to achieve their demands.

Adeleke gave the charge while addressing the protesters at the state government secretariat on Tuesday in Osogbo.

It was reported that, the protesters left the popular Olaiya Overhead Bridge, and headed towards the government office accompanied by large security personnel.

They moved along the Gbangan-Ibadan Expressway, through Ogo-Oluwa and arrived at the state government secretariat which was under lock.

Adeleke, represented by the deputy governor, Kola Adewusi commended them on the way and manner they have conducted their protests since it started.

He, however, promised to work with them towards ensuring that the state remains peaceful.

“We would not relent in our efforts, as government, towards ensuring that the state continues to enjoy the dividend of democracy.

“The Osun Government has been paying salaries, backlog of salaries, gratuity, wage awards and other allowances; this is commendable. We are working for the best interest of the state.

“The state government will continue to prioritise the welfare of its people. Once the supplies of Federal Government palliatives to the state are completed; they would be disbursed to Osun people.

“I want to charge you to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement towards achieving your demands,” Adeleke urged the protesters.

Earlier, One of the protesters, Mr Akin Ashafat, said the government is yet to address the demands of the protesters.

Ashafat, an activist, said the protest would continue until all their demands are met, adding that he hopes that something will be done soon.

He, however, called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by “walking his talk” and addressing their demands rather than seeking dialogue, which according to him, may not yield any tangible results.

It was further reported that the secretariat was under tight security surrounded by security personnel.