Osun LG workers insist on strike, demand February salary

Local government workers in Osun State have refused to resume work, stating that only directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) will determine their return.

The workers were ordered to stay away from their offices on February 16 due to security concerns stemming from a legal battle over the enforcement of a Court of Appeal ruling in Akure. The case involves elected local government officials seeking reinstatement after being removed from office.

Legal Dispute Over Council Leadership

The affected officials—chairmen and councillors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 15, 2022, local government elections—argue that the Court of Appeal overturned a previous ruling by Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Osogbo, which had dismissed them from office on November 25, 2022.

However, the Osun State Government countered their claim, stating that while the court allowed the appeal against their removal, it did not issue a direct reinstatement order.

Workers Prioritize Salaries Over Resumption

Some local government workers, speaking anonymously, revealed that resumption is not their priority, citing salary concerns and the upcoming NULGE state election.

A worker at Boripe Local Government, Iragbiji, identified as Isiaq, stated:

“No one has asked us to resume yet, and it is not a priority. People fear that the ongoing crisis may affect our salary. We are still waiting for our February salary, and with the NULGE state election this week, those are our main concerns.”

Similarly, a NULGE official from Osogbo Local Government, Teju, said:

“They should pay our salary first. People are worried that the crisis in the councils might affect our payments.”

Other workers from Ejigbo, Egbedore, and Osogbo local governments echoed the same stance, insisting they would only resume based on NLC or NULGE directives. One worker added:

“We were told to stay at home, and we haven’t received a new directive. For now, we are waiting for our February salary. We are also observing Ramadan and need our pay.”

APC-Elected Chairmen Appeal for Resumption

Reacting to the workers’ refusal to resume, the leader of the APC-elected council chairmen, Abiodun Idowu, urged them to return to work, assuring them of their safety.

“We appeal to them to return so we can deliver on our mandate. They are not supposed to be partisan. Work must continue, and I assure them that their security is guaranteed. Council areas across the state are safe.”

Meanwhile, efforts to reach Osun NLC Chairman, Mr. Christopher Arapasopo, for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone calls went unanswered, and he had yet to respond to messages.