Re-elected Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Aregbesola, has assured people of the state that he will not take their renewed mandate for granted.

He gave the assurance yesterday in his victory speech entitled ‘Democratic victory over the tyranny of power’.

Aregbesola, who was early yesterday declared winner the Saturday ballot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), profusely thanked the electorate and All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful who had stood solidly behind him to ensure his victory despite alleged intimidation, harassment and all sorts of oppression by security agencies.

“We salute your steadfastness, courage, loyalty, commitment and fierce determination to defend your sovereign rights and the integrity of our nascent democracy. You have demonstrated in this election that in a democracy, power truly belongs to the people. I am humbled and honoured by your trust and abiding faith in me and my party. I pledge that your confidence in us shall never be betrayed or taken for granted,” he said.

Continuing, Aregbesola said: “I promise that we shall not rest on our oars but shall be spurred to work even harder with all well meaning people of the State of Osun and the generality of Nigerians to continue to enjoy your trust and support.

“You can be assured that we will leave no stone unturned in our continued effort to transform Osun into a land of progress, prosperity and peace for all with renewed fervour. I realise that this victory and the challenges we went through is a call to greater service and sustained commitment to our people.”

While emphasising the need for practical democracy in Nigeria, the governor warned that nobody or party must ever exercise power unreasonably at any level, except in accordance with the will of the people to whom sovereignty belongs. He insisted that the vote must not only be counted but must also count in the country.

“I pledge a rededication of myself to the service of our people and the strengthening of democratic values in Osun and Nigeria generally. Our country remains in political bondage and we must set her free,” he stated.

•Photo shows Governor Aregbesola.