We thank Tinubu for protecting democracy in Osun – Arapasopo

By Isa Isawade

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Osun State, Christopher Arapasopo, has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protection democracy by allowing the people’s will to prevail in the Saturday’s governorship election in Osun.

Arapasopo expressed his appreciation on behalf of all workers in Osun at the post-election celebration organised by Labour on Monday to rejoice with Gov. Ademola Adeleke and the people of the state.

The workers and pensioners of Osun State gathered on Monday to express gratitude to God Almighty for His blessings and to acknowledge the progress made under Governor Ademola Adeleke. History, they noted, has repeated itself.

“Years ago, the people of Osun stood firm against Chief Bisi Akande and later against Governor Oyinlola, securing victories that reflected their commitment to welfare and justice.

“Today, that same spirit is evident. Governor Adeleke, who emphasised workers’ welfare during his 2022 campaign, has fulfilled his promises. His administration has prioritised the well-being of workers and pensioners, earning widespread support. Citizens turned out in large numbers to vote for him, affirming their belief that good governance deserves continuity.

“The Bible and the Quran teach that good deeds should be rewarded, not repaid with evil. We express our appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our father who is a son of the soil, has proved to be a peace-loving leader whose role ensured that the Osun election concluded peacefully,” Arapasopo said.

He added that the organized labor in Osun State declared its support for Tinubu’s leadership and for Governor Adeleke’s continued governance.

“We will give our full support for the President’s re-election in 2027,” the labour leader pledged.

He also addressed the issue of local government dispute in the state, citing Supreme Court and Federal High Court judgments that invalidated tenure extensions for local government chairmen. He urged the federal government and the Accountant General to release seized funds due to Osun’s local governments and to honor judicial rulings.

Responding to allegations of political bias, the labor chair clarified that he holds no party membership card, stressing that organised labor supports any government that prioritises workers’ welfare. He emphasised that under Adeleke, Osun workers are well paid even better than federal workers.

He assured citizens that negotiations for a new living wage, beyond the minimum wage, are forthcoming.

The Chairman of NUJ Osun State Council, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, congratulated the workers and people of Osun for the victory and urged all to remain steadfast and hardworking.

He commended the gathering for “working assiduously to ensure the return of the governor who has been good to you. The opposition who are threatening to challenge the victory in court will do no harm as the vote margin clearly indicates the will of the people.”

The gathering concluded with renewed calls for Governor Adeleke to continue his efforts to improve the lives of workers, pensioners, and all citizens of Osun State.