Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has called on the End Bad Governance protesters in the state to embrace dialogue to achieve their demands.
Adeleke made this appeal while addressing the protesters at the state government secretariat on Tuesday in Osogbo.
According to reports the protesters marched from the popular Olaiya Overhead Bridge to the government office, accompanied by a large security presence.
The protesters moved along the Gbangan-Ibadan Expressway, through Ogo-Oluwa, and arrived at the state government secretariat, which was under lock.
Adeleke, represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, commended the protesters for the orderly manner in which they have conducted their protests.
He promised to work with them to ensure the state remains peaceful.
“We will not relent in our efforts, as a government, towards ensuring that the state continues to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Adeleke said.
“The Osun Government has been paying salaries, backlog of salaries, gratuities, wage awards, and other allowances; this is commendable. We are working in the best interest of the state.
“The state government will continue to prioritize the welfare of its people. Once the Federal Government’s palliative supplies to the state are complete, they will be disbursed to Osun people.
“I urge you to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement to achieve your demands,” Adeleke told the protesters.
Earlier, one of the protesters, Mr. Akin Ashafat, stated that the government has yet to address their demands.
Ashafat, an activist, said the protest would continue until all their demands are met and expressed hope that something would be done soon.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by “walking his talk” and addressing their demands, rather than seeking dialogue, which he believes may not yield tangible results.
The secretariat was surrounded by security personnel.
