Osun Election: Adeleke declares Friday work-free, urges workers to vote

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By Dapo Akinrefon

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OSOGBO — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has declared Friday, August 14, a work-free day for public servants in the state to enable them to participate in Saturday’s governorship election.

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The declaration was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.

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According to the circular, the decision was aimed at allowing workers to travel where necessary and make adequate preparations to exercise their franchise in the election.

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It stated that all categories of workers were covered by the declaration, except those engaged in emergency and essential services.

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Meanwhile, Adeleke has urged workers in the state, as well as their relatives and friends, to vote massively in the election and protect their votes.

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The governor made the call in a pre-election message to workers, where he commended the leadership of the labour movement and workers for their support for his administration.

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He also described the relationship between his administration and workers as mutually beneficial.

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In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke urged state workers to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional groups to participate in the election.

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“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,” he said.

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Adeleke urged the workers to protect what he described as the gains recorded by his administration over the past three and a half years.

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“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,” he added.

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