The Joint Labour Movement in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria, has called for a peaceful, free, fair and transparent governorship election, warning against the intimidation or harassment of residents ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Speaking at a mini-congress of the organised labour in Osogbo, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Christopher Arapasopo, expressed concern over the security situation and urged security agencies to remain impartial in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He said workers and pensioners are prepared to exercise their constitutional right to vote 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 expect the police to protect lives and property, and perform their duties professionally.”
“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 said.
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The labour leader addressed the controversy surrounding the payment of palliatives to over 60,000 workers, pensioners and corps members by the state government, following criticisms by the opposition that the payments amounted to vote-buying.
He explained that the demand for the palliatives originated from the organised labour and not the state government.
According to him, the organised labour wrote to Governor Ademola Adeleke on April 8, requesting financial support for workers and pensioners to cushion the impact of the prevailing economic hardship.
He stated that the labour initially requested a sum of ₦20,000 palliative for each worker and pensioner but later agreed to accept ₦10,000 after discussions with the government, taking into consideration the state’s financial situation.
Arapasopo explained that the payment of the ₦20,000 palliative was 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.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Osun State, Olamilekan Adediran, urged civil servants, pensioners and other eligible voters to go out peacefully on election day and exercise their civic duty.
“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.”
Adediran warned that political power should not be pursued through violence or intimidation, urging all political actors to allow the democratic process to prevail.
