The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced an indefinite strike in protest against the planned return of sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) council executives, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal that reinstated them across Local Government Areas in Osun State.
The Appeal Court decision has cleared the way for APC-backed council officials to reclaim leadership positions.
However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has vowed to resist their reinstatement, fueling the growing political tensions in the state.
In response to the rising unrest, the NLC issued a memo on Sunday, signed by its Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, with the title “Safety of Our Members is Non-Negotiable.” The memo urged workers to stay away from council offices, citing concerns about their safety.
The NLC memo, obtained by The Nation, read: “The NLC has observed rising agitation and fear among its members working in local government areas across Osun.
“The NLC is a political, but we won’t allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity. We urge all political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law. We insist on the rule of law to avoid a descent into anarchy.”
The union then issued a directive: “In furtherance to this, we hereby direct all our members working in all the LGAs in Osun State to withdraw their services effective Monday, 17th February 2025 by midnight.”
Arapasopo further stressed, “We won’t allow our members to return until their safety at work can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right. We hereby call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of all lives and properties within Osun State Local Governments and the public in general.”
In solidarity, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), led by Comrade Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, echoed the NLC’s position in a memo referencing NULGE/OSS/GEN/12/VOL170.
Meanwhile, the APC, through its State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, cautioned Osun State workers against being used as pawns in political games.
He warned, “The government of Ademola Adeleke must not manipulate the workers to hinder the progress of the state.”
