Osun NULGE Dismisses Claims by Breakaway Group, Insists on Service Withdrawal

Osun NULGE Dismisses Claims by Breakaway Group, Insists on Service Withdrawal

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has denied allegations made by the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff of Osun State. In a statement, NULGE President Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe clarified that the association is not a recognized trade union in Nigeria and has no legal standing in Osun State. The union also refuted claims that its leadership operates like a family business, insisting that it is democratically managed. NULGE justified its directive for local government staff to stay at home, stating that the decision was made in collaboration with the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to safeguard workers’ welfare…………READ MORE

“The Association of Concerned Local Government Staff is not known to us and is not registered with any trade union in Nigeria,” Ogungbangbe stated. “Our leadership is elected transparently based on our constitution and democratic principles.” The union rejected claims that its actions have been politicized, emphasizing its neutrality. It also dismissed concerns that the strike has endangered vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children. NULGE criticized calls for workers to return without addressing the grievances that led to the industrial action.

“All Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) remain operational, contrary to the claims made by the association,” the statement added.

NULGE reaffirmed its support for its leadership, condemning attempts to discredit them. The union urged security agencies to remove individuals occupying local government secretariats and insisted that any legal actions against its executives would be contested.

On the other hand, a faction of NULGE in Osun State called for local government workers to resume duties, describing the continued strike as irresponsible and harmful to the public. The faction, under the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff, argued that workers should not be denied their rights over what they termed an unnecessary service withdrawal.

At a press conference, faction leaders Adedayo Adekunle and Akin Adepoju accused Dr. Ogungbangbe of nepotism and constitutional violations regarding the strike decision.