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Fashola At Aregbesola's Inauguration, Says Good Governance Has Just Begun

Nov 27, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Saturday joined former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State in Oshogbo to witness the formal inauguration of Engineer Rauf Olusoji Aregbesola as the Governor of Osun State, saying conflagration of good governance predicated on progressive ideas and practical solutions to the problems of Nigeria and Nigerians has just begun.

Speaking at the hugely attended, carnival-like ceremony which also had the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Chief Bisi Akande, former Governors Lam Adesina of Oyo, Aremo Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti, Chris Ngige of Anambra and other top leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in attendance, Governor Fashola said those who are alive today to witness the event must take pains to record and remember the Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th of November 2010 in their dairies and in their hearts.

The Governor also said the date is not a watershed day but a date when the constancy of truth prevailed over a mountain of lies.

Said he: "Secondly, it marks the commencement of the development of what will be the best political party building process ever undertaken in Africa. A party built by the common and ordinary people, driven by their absolute faith in freedom, democracy, good governance and the rule of law that is symbolized by an independent and fearless judiciary".

The Governor affirmed that Freedom and good governance is beginning to travel in Nigeria: "It is on a journey to liberate our people. It is travelling in the vehicle of the Action Congress of Nigeria. It has found home in Lagos, Edo, Ekiti and Osun. It is coming your way".

Governor Fashola while urging the co-operation of all in the task of rebuilding Osun State, reiterated that the task ahead demand the collective input of every stakeholder as the new Governor alone cannot do it.

The Governor noted that when he was sworn in May 2007, he was the only ACN Governor, but was reassured by the leaders of the party that more would come, saying he feels very happy today that the number is increasing.

He was certain that all the expectations of the people of Osun State would be actualized through the party of ideas which is the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), stressing that the real work to rebuild Osun State has just started.

While speaking, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu thanked God for his mercies, the youths and the Action Congress of Nigeria for demonstrating unequal courage in the struggle to liberate Osun State.

Asiwaju Tinubu said Governor Rauf Aregbesola has come as a repairer, a surgeon to repair the damage of over seven years in Osun State, asking the generality of the Osun people to be patient with him because he has the capability to develop the State much faster and better.

He said the house of deceit and falsehood already built by the People's Democratic Party is crumbling.

Speaking after his inauguration, Governor Rauf Aregbesola said his administration will resume the journey of development which the people of Osun State started with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo but was terminated in 2003 by the usurpers.

He said the task of creating a new Osun is a task for everyone which can be achieved through a united front, imploring the judiciary, legislature and the executive to cooperate and collaborate to advance the interest of Osun State.

Governor Aregbesola directed the freezing of all accounts at all levels of the State including parastatals and agencies while all cheque books should be deposited with the Accountant-General of the State.

While appealing to the people not to see the measure as being punitive, the Governor said it was necessary to enable it take proper stock of what has been left in the treasury by the past illegitimate administration.

Governor Aregbesola promised to rededicate himself to the cause of building Osun State by delivering on his electioneering campaign promises, assuring the people that they now have a government of their own which is totally responsible to them.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko who also addressed the gathering reiterated his call for the one man one vote principle saying when fully embraced there would be no opportunity for stealing of votes of the people anymore.

A former Governor of Osun State and National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande in his goodwill message said with the inauguration of Engineer Rauf Aregbesola, a new dawn has begun in Osun State.

Chief Akande said the new administration will bring about industrialization and eradication of poverty for the people of Osun State.

The swearing in ceremony which also included the swearing in of the Deputy Governor, Otunba Laoye Tomori attracted a large crowd of party faithful, elated indigenes of Osun State from across the country and distinguished personalities including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, former First Lady, Chief (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, members of the Lagos State Executive Council and Chairman of the ACN in Lagos State, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale among others.