Adeleke visits Buhari, seeks economic support for Osun

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Friday, paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa Abuja, the first since his election and inauguration last year.

Adeleke, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, sought Buhari’s support in infrastructure development, proposed new economic city and free trade zone, tax credit and other federal facilities in Osun State.

The governor, elected on platform of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said he had come to appreciate the President for providing a level playing field in the election that held in July last year.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Adeleke praised President Buhari for signing the Electoral Act and entrenching democracy further in the country.

Adeleke, who described himself as a beneficiary of the President’s action, further noted that the President’s action has also earned Nigeria more respect with the international community, where the country is now considered as being ready for real democracy.

Asked why he visited the Villa, the Governor said he was on a ‘thank you’ call on the President.

He said, “I am happy to tell you that I just saw our President, looking so well, looking so good and I’m happy about that.

“Since my election, I feel like I should come and say hello to Mr. President and thank him for signing that Electoral Act because I benefited from it. That paved way for free and fair elections and the international community is applauding Nigeria, that Nigeria is set for democracy.

“So that is why I’m here today; to see him, thank him and wish him well in his remaining time in office.”

Asked if other issues were discussed, the governor said, “Nothing, that’s the main reason. We just greeted and some of the other things, I already submitted and I will see the Chief of Staff for us to discuss on the way forward for the federal government to assist Osun State.”