…praises police protection of workers
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday directed strict compliance with the Osun State Local Government Accounts Administration Law, 2025, which regulates the opening, management and operation of local government accounts.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor also commended the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees for resolving to resume work on January 5, describing the decision as patriotic and people-oriented.
It will be recalled that the NULGE leadership had announced that its members would return to duty after an 11-month strike over the dispute surrounding the control of local government councils between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Adeleke said the decision of the workers to resume work reflected the labour movement’s sensitivity to the yearnings and aspirations of the people, expressing optimism that January 5 would mark a new beginning for revitalised services and improved social delivery at the grassroots.
The governor, who described local government administration as the most effective means of reaching residents and citizens, said the labour leaders had demonstrated confidence in responsible leadership.
He also commended the police authorities for their recent decision to enforce law and order at various local government secretariats across the state.
“As much as I’m commending the NULGE leadership, I must also appreciate the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11 and the Osun state Commissioner of Police for their commitment to provide security cover for lawful resumption of activities at the various council secretariats.
Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri
“The police command has acted responsibly to prevent anarchy and violence being plotted by some elements. The prompt action of the police has nipped in the bud any untoward happening across our secretariats. We hope to see the Command following through its directive against the evil plot to disrupt workers’ resumption of duty.
“Our government is not opposed to local government autonomy. The presidential decision on local autonomy has good intentions of devolving good governance to the local level. We support it. What we however advocate is that rule of law and due process must never be sacrificed on the altar of political shenanigans.
“The constitution and the laws on the local government system must be complied with in financial, administrative and other matters. The rightfully elected leadership of the local government should also not be denied their legitimate rights to exercise their mandate. This has been our position.
“We welcome the workers’ resumption of duties. We commend the police and other security agencies for keeping our state peaceful. Only under harmonious conditions can the dividends of democracy be sufficiently delivered. We need peace, unity and adherence to democratic principles”, the governor posited.