The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, has directed members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) across the state to prevent the allegedly sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and their political appointees from accessing council secretariats. This directive was issued on Tuesday following a Federal High Court ruling in Osogbo.
Court Dismisses Stay of Execution Motion
The Federal High Court in Osogbo had on Monday dismissed a motion filed by the affected chairmen seeking a stay of execution of its earlier judgment. The court ruled that the chairmen were not entitled to any tenure extension and awarded costs against them. The NLC described the court's decision as rendering the claims of the sacked chairmen to office null, void, and of no legal consequence.
NLC Directives to NULGE Members
In a statement signed by the NLC Osun State Chairman, Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, the union instructed NULGE members in all 30 Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, and Area Offices in Osun State to immediately lock the entrance gates of council secretariats against the affected chairmen, councillors, and their appointees. Workers were also directed to secure vital administrative offices and council properties while remaining calm and continuing their official duties without panic.
The statement further advised workers to report any attempt to forcefully gain access to the secretariats to the NLC leadership and relevant security agencies. The directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending further communication from the NLC Osun State Council.
Background
The dispute stems from the tenure of local government chairmen in Osun State, with the court ruling that their tenure had expired. The NLC's action aims to enforce the court's judgment and prevent any illegal occupation of council secretariats.
