OSUN NULGE DEBUNKS CLAIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CONCERNED LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF OF OSUN STATE

We, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State Chapter, categorically reject the misleading and unfounded claims made by the so-called Association of Concerned Local Government Staff of Osun State in their recent press release. It is imperative to set the record straight and dispel the falsehoods being propagated.

1. That the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff of Osun State is not known in Osun State, that they are not registered with the Trade Union in Nigeria.

2. Contrary to the baseless allegations that the leadership of NULGE is being run as a “family affair,” we reaffirm that NULGE is a duly constituted and democratically operated union. Our leadership is elected through a transparent and legal process, in line with the constitution of the union and the principles of collective representation. Decisions made by the union, including industrial actions, are taken with the utmost regard for the welfare of local government workers and the people of Osun State.

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3. The directive for local government staff to stay at home was taken by both Osun NLC and NULGE to protect the lives of our members. The decision to close local government secretariats was neither arbitrary nor driven by selfish interests, as alleged. It was a necessary action taken in response to prevailing conditions that posed a direct threat to the safety, welfare, and rights of local government workers. Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, as the duly elected President of NULGE, acted within his mandate to protect workers from an environment that had become untenable.

4. The assertion that NULGE has been politicized is completely false. NULGE has always maintained its neutrality and is committed to the welfare of workers, not partisan politics. The union’s stance on local government administration is rooted in legal and constitutional provisions, not in affiliation with any political party. Any legal actions taken by our leadership are in the interest of justice and the rule of law, rather than an endorsement of any political group.

5. The claim that the strike has endangered lives, particularly pregnant women and children, is a gross misrepresentation of facts. No health facilities, immunization centers and drug stores are shut down as stated by the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff of Osun State. It should be noted that all PHC facilities are open to services.

6. The call for local government staff to resume work without addressing the grievances that led to the industrial action is both irresponsible and a betrayal of the collective interest of workers. The proper approach is for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issues at hand rather than resorting to threats and propaganda.

7. We stand firmly by our leadership and reject any attempt to discredit the union’s executives. The supposed “infractions” attributed to Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe are unfounded, and any legal action taken against him or the union will be vigorously contested.

8. It should be noted that the National President General of NULGE has in a statement recently supported the strike action by the Osun State NULGE which was in the interest of the welfare of members.

9. We call on the security agents in the State to flush out the miscreants that are currently occupying our local government Secretariats so that governance activities will be restored at the council secretariats.

We appeal to all local government workers to remain united and committed to the cause of defending their rights. We remain open to dialogue with relevant authorities to ensure that a fair and just resolution is reached. However, we will not bow to intimidation or allow the interests of local government workers to be undermined.

NULGE remains resolute in its mission to protect workers, uphold labour rights, and ensure that local government administration in Osun State operates within the bounds of justice and fairness. Therefore , the earlier directive of stay at home by Local Government Workers in Osun State still subsists.

Signed

Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe
President, NULGE Osun State.