The Association of Concerned Local Government Workers in Osun State has appealed to staff across local councils to return to work, warning that continued absence could result in job losses.
The call was made on Thursday in Osogbo during a press briefing by the association’s state coordinator, Mr. Adedayo Adekunle.
Adekunle noted that the seven-month sit-at-home directive by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had outlived its purpose and was no longer justifiable. He argued that while legal and political disputes persisted, workers must not abandon their duty posts.
“We are the landlords of local government secretariats. It is unheard of for landlords to vacate their property and allow pests and animals to take over,” he said.
The crisis originated from the Court of Appeal ruling in Akure on 10 February, which triggered disputes between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over whether sacked council chairmen and councillors elected in 2022 should be reinstated.
Following the judgment, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and NULGE had, from 17 February, directed council workers to withdraw their services, citing security concerns.
However, Adekunle maintained that the security justification was no longer tenable. He insisted that staff risked “degradation and possible job loss” by staying away from their offices.
“The fact that legal actions are ongoing does not mean we should abscond from the primary assignment for which we are paid,” he said.
NULGE, however, has rejected the association’s call for resumption. In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, David Owoeye, the union urged members to ignore the directive, stressing that only its leadership had the authority to issue such instructions.
“It is equally pertinent to note that NULGE has not directed our members to resume work. The union executives will continue to defend the interests of our esteemed members,” Owoeye said.
