The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, on Saturday declared Osun State peaceful.
Tambuwal, who was in the state on a courtesy visit to the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said he did not sense any tension in the state, considering the reports that have been emanating from there in the last two weeks.
A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Osun State, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, quoted Tambuwal as saying: “I have come to Osogbo. I have not seen barricades.
“I have not seen any security checkpoints, which suggests that there is peace and calm here.
“The governor is a gentleman.
“He is down-to-earth and I believe he is committed to the vision of transformation of Osun State and continued co-existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I firmly believe that.
“I believe that after electioneering, politicians across the country should forget about what has gone past irrespective of party affiliation and face governance which is why they are elected in the first place.
“Nigeria is in dire need of attention and politicians should rise up to this occasion and move the country forward rather than engage themselves in unnecessary politicking.”
The speaker, who said he paid visit to the governor, whom he sees as a leader and elder, enjoined politicians to put aside politicking and face governance in the interest of the people.
On the allegation that Osun State is planning to secede, Tambuwal said an allegation would always remain an allegation until its veracity has been established.
He continued: “Allegations are always allegation until they are proven.
“If you go to the United States, congress members have the flags of their respective states on their table in addition to the flag of the United States.
“So there is nothing special in this.”
Responding, the governor thanked the speaker for his visit, observing that the National Assembly is the heart of governance.
He noted that it takes a clear-headed, developing mind and a patriot to do what the Speaker has done irrespective of their party differences.
Aregbesola stated that greater responsibility rests on the National Assembly in steering the country to better direction.
He said: “I see the National Assembly as a collection of representatives of the people.
“As representatives of the people, we must ensure that we put in place an untainted, free and fair electoral process devoid of any fault.
“Nothing can help the country unless federalism is strengthened and its tenets upheld for the peace and progress of Nigeria.”
He also dispelled the rumoured secession leveled on his government, describing it as baseless and unfounded.