The Organised Labour in Osun State on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo, calling for a free, fair and peaceful governorship election and warning against any attempt to intimidate workers, pensioners or other residents ahead of Saturday’s poll.
The protest attracted workers and pensioners who marched through parts of the state capital to register their concerns over the political atmosphere in the state and alleged cases of violence, intimidation and harassment.
Speaking during the protest, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, described the exercise as a mini congress of organised labour aimed at informing the public about developments in the state and expressing the position of workers and pensioners ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Arapasopo said organised labour was particularly concerned about reports of political thuggery and shootings, stressing that the police and other security agencies had a responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in the state, Comrade Olamilekan Adediran, urged civil servants, pensioners and other eligible voters to come out with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote for candidates of their choice without fear.
He appealed to President Tinubu and other political stakeholders to ensure that the contest remained peaceful, stressing that the struggle for political power should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
