The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees has thrown its weight behind the sit-at-home directive issued by the Osun State chapter of the union to all local government workers, citing security concerns amid a deepening political crisis.
The directive follows violent clashes between members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress over the control of the 30 local government councils in the state.
The escalating tension has reportedly led to loss of lives, prompting the union to order workers to stay off duty indefinitely.
The National President of NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, while leading a solidarity visit to the Osun State Government on Sunday, condemned the political interference and described the situation as detrimental to grassroots governance.
“We are in Osun State in solidarity with our local chapter of NULGE,” Kankara said during a courtesy call on Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Bola Ige House, Osogbo.
“Apart from being here in solidarity, we are equally here to flay the present situation in the various local government secretariats vis-à-vis their forceful occupation by non-constitutionally elected local government chairmen of the opposition party.”
According to a statement by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the NULGE president lamented that the crisis has disrupted official duties and instilled fear among workers, thereby threatening the administrative structure at the grassroots level.
Adewusi—described the ongoing occupation of council secretariats by the opposition party as “uncalled for,” maintaining that the state remains peaceful despite what he described as “a gory picture being politically bandied to warrant a declaration of state of emergency.”
Adewusi thanked the 16-member NULGE national delegation for their show of solidarity and reassured the union of the state government’s commitment to ensuring safety and order.
The crisis stems from a long-standing legal battle and political dispute over the tenure and legitimacy of local council leaderships, a conflict that has led to parallel claims of authority by PDP and APC factions across various local governments.
As the standoff lingers, workers have been advised to remain at home pending further directive from union leadership, deepening concerns about a potential administrative vacuum and service disruption at the grassroots.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment