The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members working in local government areas across the state to withdraw their services, effective Monday.
In a statement on Sunday by its chairman, Dr. Christopher Arapasopo, the NLC said that it had observed the ongoing political unrest, which has caused agitation and fear among its members working in local government offices.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had accused his predecessor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, of plotting to incite violence in the state by using security chiefs to reinstate local government chairmen and councillors elected in the 15 October 2022 poll.
Adeleke argued that the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, did not order their reinstatement, as claimed, but merely allowed the appeals filed by the chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop Oyetola from engaging in actions that could disrupt peace in Osun.
However, the state APC spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi advised Adeleke to approach the Supreme Court rather than resort to blackmailing Oyetola, who now serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Olabisi stated that Oyetola had not instructed anyone to incite violence and accused Adeleke of deliberately attempting to tarnish his predecessor’s image to prevent the enforcement of the court ruling that reinstated the officials he had previously dismissed.
Amid the political tension, Arapasopo expressed concerns over the safety of NLC members working in local government offices, stating that the union remains apolitical but will not allow its members to work in an unsafe environment.
He said: ‘The NLC is apolitical, but we will not allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.
‘The Nigeria Labour Congress has observed the ongoing political unrest, which has caused agitation and fear among our members working in local government areas across the state.
‘We urge all political parties and their supporters to abide by the rule of law to prevent a descent into anarchy. In light of this, we hereby direct all our members working in Osun State local government offices to withdraw their services effective Monday, 17 February 2025, from 12:00 am. (midnight).
‘Our members will not return to work until their safety is assured and guaranteed, as is their constitutional right.
‘We call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property within Osun State local government areas and the state in general’.
