NLC endorses Fayemi for June 21 election in Ekiti, warns against external interference

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned against interference in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Congress said that the true will of the people of the state should be allowed to prevail on the election date.

President of NLC, , Comrade Abduwaheed Omar, spoke on behalf of the NLC in Ado Ekiti on Saturday while leading some members of the Central Working Committee of the labour centre on a courtesy call on Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Omar enjoined all relevant agencies to ensure that the election is not rigged, saying that the Congress will continue to identify with leaders who perform creditably well while in office by fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of their people..

On the agitation in some quarters about their visit to Governor Fayemi, Omar said “Nobody can stop us from identifying with whoever we want. We are Nigerians and we are identifying with Governor Fayemi because he has done well. With this, we have every reason to do so.

“We pray for Ekiti election to be peaceful. When we got to Ado Ekiti on Friday, we went round and found out that the violence here is exaggerated. But the powers that be must allow the people to make their choice because Ekiti people know what they want.

“Some people said that if we come to Ekiti to identify with you, hell will be let loose; but we are here now. We would have even held a rally in your support but such was not discussed at the meeting of the CWC,” Omar stated.

He, however, described Fayemi as a performer, who should be returned on account of his impressive performance.

Governor Fayemi, who praised the NLC for agitating against electoral violence, said he has been able to make Ekiti the destination of choice for leaders because of sustainable peace in the state.

He said, “Your presence here today shows that leadership is not accidental. My partisanship in the present political dispensation is a product of my past as a student and pro-democracy activist. I want to promise that I won't disappoint this constituency.”

Commenting on the fear that some external forces were allegedly planning to impose a certain candidate, the Governor stated that “the worst way you can incur the wrath of the people here is to wage a war of rigging against them because Ekiti people will resist such.

“We are appealing to the labour leaders to continue to canvass for one man, one vote, so that whoever wins or loses can accept the outcome of the election.”

Fayemi, however, expressed confidence that the election will be peaceful, despite the recurrent violence that have dogged the ongoing electioneering campaign since March 23, 2014.

The state chapter of the NLC led by its Chairman, Com. Ayodeji Aluko, and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress, Com Kolawole Olaiya, held an endorsement rally for Fayemi at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in the state capital.