Osun Organised Labour calls for peaceful, free, fair, credible Governorship electio
By: Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo.
The Organised Labour in Osun State has called on workers, pensioners and residents of the state to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The labour movement also urged workers, pensioners, their families and other well-meaning citizens to dedicate Friday, August 14, to fasting and prayers for a peaceful, transparent, free, fair and credible election.
It said the prayers should include the safety of voters, electoral officials, security personnel, candidates, political party members, journalists and other stakeholders participating in the election.
The Organised Labour urged all eligible voters to come out on Saturday, August 15, and exercise their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice without fear, intimidation or coercion.
It reminded workers, pensioners and other citizens that the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is an important instrument through which citizens exercise their democratic rights and demand accountable governance.
The labour movement appealed to voters to respect one another’s political choices, obey lawful instructions and reject any attempt to provoke violence before, during or after the election.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies deployed for the election to carry out their duties with professionalism, integrity and impartiality.
According to the Organised Labour, electoral and security personnel must remain neutral and should not allow themselves to be used to favour, intimidate or disadvantage any political party, candidate or political actor.
It said the credibility of the election would depend largely on the conduct of INEC officials and security personnel, urging them to protect the sanctity of the ballot, safeguard voters and electoral materials and ensure that every legitimate vote counts.
The Organised Labour further appealed to international organisations, democratic institutions, election-monitoring bodies and members of the international community to closely monitor the electoral process in Osun State.
It urged international observers and democratic partners to support efforts towards a free, fair, peaceful and credible election and to speak out against actions capable of undermining the will of the people.
The group also warned that any politician or political actor found deliberately inciting violence, threatening citizens, manipulating the electoral process or engaging in activities capable of undermining democracy should face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
‘Osun State Belongs to All of Us’
The Organised Labour said Osun State belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that elections should be an avenue for people to freely choose their leaders rather than a period of fear, violence and intimidation.
It therefore appealed to all political parties, candidates, their supporters and the general public to put the peace and development of the state above personal and political interests.
“Come out. Vote peacefully. Protect your vote. Respect the choice of others. Reject violence,” the group urged.
The Organised Labour reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, good governance, workers’ welfare, social justice, peaceful coexistence and the overall development of Osun State.
“Let the people speak through their votes, and let their votes count,” it said.
