Adeleke: We Paid Over ₦80bn Inherited Pension Debt, Cleared Two-Thirds of Salary Arrears

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, says his administration has paid more than ₦80 billion in inherited pension liabilities and cleared over two-thirds of the state’s accumulated half-salary arrears.

Adeleke made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, said his administration had exceeded expectations in addressing the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.

According to him, the financial situation of Osun State in 2022 made it difficult for the government to settle the accumulated pension and salary debts.

Adeleke said, “Our government has paid over two-thirds of the half-salary debt. We have paid over ₦80 billion of inherited pension debt. We have reformed the public service and implemented several measures to improve workers’ welfare.”

He added that the welfare of workers remained one of his administration’s major achievements, noting that pensioners and civil servants had expressed appreciation for his efforts.

The governor also listed several projects completed by his administration, including the construction of about 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges, six dualised roads, the rehabilitation of more than 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools, and the establishment of the University of Ilesa.

He further disclosed that the government had purchased 31 tractors and distributed almost ₦2 billion through cooperative funds.

Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Election Security

Adeleke also raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, alleging that members of his party had been arrested and attacked.

He claimed that seven Accord Party members had been killed, more than 20 injured by gunfire, while over 60 party members were allegedly being held in police custody.

The governor said he had alerted President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, urging security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election.

He called on the people of Osun State to reject violence and allow voters to freely exercise their democratic rights.

Why Adeleke Left the PDP

Explaining his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, Adeleke said the crisis within the party made it difficult for him to remain under its platform.

He said he would have contested the election as an independent candidate if Nigerian law permitted independent candidates to run for elective office.

Adeleke also dismissed concerns about facing a political party backed by 34 governors, describing himself as a “bulldozer” and insisting that the governors would not determine the outcome of the election.

The governor urged Osun voters to remain peaceful and ensure that the August 15 election reflects their choice.