Organised labour in Osun State on Monday defended the N20,000 disbursed to workers last week, clarifying that the funds were approved as palliatives to cushion the effects of economic hardship rather than for political vote-buying.

The unions, who temporarily shut the entrances to the state secretariat in protest, carried placards bearing various inscriptions, including “Call Oyetola to order.”

Addressing journalists, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in the state, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, explained that the financial support followed a direct request made by the union to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“On April 8, organised labour wrote a letter to His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, requesting palliatives for workers and pensioners in the state, specifically asking for N20,000 for each worker,” Arapasopo stated.

“Following subsequent meetings in early July, and taking the state’s financial constraints into account, the governor promised to pay N10,000 each per month for June and July, which labour duly accepted.”

Arapasopo decried claims circulating on social media by the All Progressives Congress (APC) alleging that the payments were a form of vote-buying.

He emphasised that the initiative originated entirely from labour leaders seeking to alleviate economic pressures on workers, noting that Osun State is not immune to national economic challenges.

Expressing deep concern over security and political tension in the state, the NLC chairman appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Osun APC leadership to order.

“This election should not be a war. As workers and pensioners of Osun State, we have every right to vote for whosoever pleases us. No worker must be intimidated or harassed,” Arapasopo said.

He further urged the international community to monitor developments in the state and called on the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral, professional, and focused on protecting citizens rather than taking sides.

Referencing reports of armed thugs operating unchecked, he urged security agencies to safeguard public peace.

Looking ahead to the upcoming gubernatorial election on Saturday the 15th, Arapasopo sent a stern warning to political actors attempting to suppress voters, saying, “We are going to send a strong signal and warning to any party that tries to intimidate or harass workers, pensioners, and the good people of Osun State.

He also addressed public concerns regarding recent controversies surrounding state accounts.

The State Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrade Olamilekan Adediran, urged President Tinubu to intervene and protect citizens from harassment and political intimidation.

“All civil servants and pensioners in Osun have been in this system for a long time and have worked with several governors.

“We implore all workers and residents to go out with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to their polling units and vote for their candidate of choice without fear or tension,” Adediran said.

Emphasizing that the acquisition of power should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.

He said, “We know the government we like, and we do not want imposition in Osun.

“We appeal to the President to help us call these actors to order; coming to power does not mean we should destroy ourselves or freeze the accounts of the state.” (Daily Sun)