By John Dike, Osogbo
Organised labour movement in Osun State on Monday called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election, warning against the intimidation or harassment of workers, pensioners and other residents ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Speaking at what he described as a mini congress of organised labour in Osogbo, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, expressed concern over the security situation in the state and urged security agencies, particularly the police, to remain impartial in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, workers and pensioners are prepared to exercise their constitutional right by voting on August 15 and should be allowed to do so without fear or intimidation.
“We are here to inform the general public about happenings in Osun State and how we feel about them. We have been hearing reports of thugs moving around with weapons, while the police, who are expected to protect lives and property, should ensure they perform their duties professionally,” he said.
Arapasopo warned political actors against harassing workers and pensioners, stressing that every eligible voter has the constitutional right to freely choose candidates of their choice.
“We are sending a clear signal and warning to anyone who intends to intimidate or harass workers, pensioners and the good people of Osun State. Every citizen has the right to vote without fear,” he added.
The labour leader also addressed the controversy surrounding the payment of palliatives to workers and pensioners by the state government, following criticisms from the opposition that the payments amounted to vote buying.
He explained that the demand for palliatives originated from organised labour and not from the government.
According to him, organised labour had on April 8 written to Governor Ademola Adeleke requesting financial support for workers and pensioners to cushion the impact of the prevailing economic hardship.
He said labour initially requested a ₦20,000 palliative for each worker and pensioner but later agreed to accept ₦10,000 after discussions with the government, considering the state’s financial situation.
Arapasopo said the agreement included the payment of the palliative for June and July.
“We later saw on social media where the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged that the governor was trying to buy votes.
That is not correct. Labour leaders were the ones who requested the palliative to cushion the effects of the economic hardship affecting workers and pensioners across the country, including Osun State,” he said.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the election is conducted peacefully.
“We appeal to the President, who is the father of the nation and also a leader from Osun State, to call everyone to order. This election should not become a war.
“No worker should be intimidated. No citizen of Osun State should be harassed. We want a free, fair and credible election.
“We also appeal to the international community to keep its attention on Osun State, while urging the police to remain neutral and protect all citizens without taking sides,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Osun State, Comrade Olamilekan Adediran, urged civil servants, pensioners and other eligible voters to come out peacefully on election day and exercise their civic responsibility.
“My advice is simple. We are all stakeholders. Civil servants and pensioners have worked under different administrations over the years, and we know what is best for our state.
“We encourage everyone to go to their polling units with their Permanent Voter Cards and vote for the candidate of their choice without fear or tension,” he said.
Adediran said political power should not be pursued through violence or intimidation, urging all political actors to allow the democratic process to prevail.
“We do not want anybody to impose leaders on Osun people. Getting to power should not be a do-or-die affair.
“We appeal to the President to speak to those involved because seeking political office should never lead to violence, the freezing of government accounts or the harassment of state officials.
“Let the election be free and fair for everyone. The people of Osun know the kind of leadership they want, and they should be allowed to make that choice peacefully,” he added.
