Osun traders pledge commitment to peaceful poll

Traders in Osun on Friday expressed their commitment to ensuring a peaceful governorship election on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Orisumbare Market Traders Society in Osogbo, Mr. Ibikunle Yahaya, told the News Agency of Nigeria that traders would actively participate in the electoral process.

“We are all aware of the election coming up tomorrow; even little children on the streets are looking forward to it.

“We expect a free and fair election and we have instructed our people to cast their votes and go back home peacefully without fear of intimidation.

“We are going to vote for the candidate of our choice as individuals and we hope that  positive development will continue in the state after the election.

“The security agents are our friends and  they have only come to maintain peace and order; so we are not afraid of this election and
we are going to come out and vote freely.

“We have instructed our members not to open their shops on Saturday and Sunday.

“Trading in the market will resume on Monday after the election,’’ he said.

A trader, Mrs. Aduke Hammed, appealed to all eligible voters in the state to cast their votes  and refrain from violence irrespective of the outcome of the election.

“I have my voter’s card and I am going to vote.  I also want to tell other voters to exercise their rights peacefully  as we pray for  an
acceptable outcome,’’ she said.

Another trader, Mr. Abdullahi Sanni, who said residents of the state were generally peaceful, advised politicians not to manipulate the process.

“I want to appeal to all stakeholders, especially our politicians, to refrain from self help.

“They should stop employing thugs for  elections and accept  the will of God,’’  he said.