By Dapo Akinrefon

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

“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.

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

“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.