By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared Friday, August 14, a work-free day for public servants across the state to enable them prepare for Saturday’s governorship election and exercise their civic responsibilities.
The declaration was contained in a circular issued on Wednesday by the Osun State Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina.
According to the circular, the work-free day is intended to give workers sufficient time to travel to their respective communities where necessary and make adequate preparations to participate in the governorship election.
The government, however, clarified that the directive does not apply to personnel providing essential and emergency services, who are expected to remain at their duty posts.
In a message to workers ahead of the election, Governor Adeleke urged civil servants to actively participate in the democratic process and mobilise support for peaceful participation in the poll.
The governor also encouraged workers to extend voter mobilisation to their relatives, friends, artisans, professional bodies and members of the informal sector, stressing the importance of broad participation in the election.
Adeleke commended the leadership of Organised Labour and the state’s workforce for what he described as their steadfast support and cooperation with his administration over the past three and a half years.
He said his administration had maintained a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with workers through policies aimed at improving their welfare and strengthening the public service.
“The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies. We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for,” the governor said.
He added, “We must defend the gains of the last three and half years plus. Ours is a workers-friendly government which has delivered across board to labour and Osun people. We cannot and must not allow a return to dark days.”
The declaration comes amid heightened political activities and preparations for Saturday’s governorship election, with political parties intensifying campaigns and appeals to supporters across the state.
