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Tag: NULGE

  • Osun LG workers resume after 11-month strike amid heavy security presence

    Osun LG workers resume after 11-month strike amid heavy security presence

    Local government workers in Osun State on Monday resumed duty across council secretariats after an 11-month strike, with heavy security deployment observed at various local government offices.

    The Nation recalls that members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) embarked on the industrial action on February 16, 2025, following a dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of the local government councils.

    A tour of several council secretariats by our correspondent showed a strong security presence, with police patrol vehicles stationed at the entrances of the councils to maintain law and order.

    The reinstated APC chairmen welcomed the returning workers, assuring them of their readiness to collaborate in strengthening governance at the grassroots level.

    Local government areas visited by The Nation included Olorunda, Osogbo, Orolu, Irepodun, Boluwaduro, Boripe, and Obokun.

    In Osogbo, the Vice Chairman, Rasak Latona, received the workers and urged them to work with the council leadership to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, while criticising the prolonged strike action by NULGE.

    Latona confirmed that more than 300 workers had resumed duties at the council. “So far, so good. It has been peaceful and well-coordinated. On arrival, we could see security personnel at the entrance checking those who are supposed to be in, so there will be no trouble,” he said.

    Read Also: Police warn politicians against sabotage of Osun LG workers’ resumption

    Speaking with journalists, the Osun State President of NULGE, Dr. Kehinde Ogungbangbe, expressed satisfaction over the resumption of work by union members across the state.

    However, he accused the police of bias, alleging that security operatives allowed APC council chairmen into the secretariats despite earlier warnings that their presence would not be tolerated.

    He said, “To my utmost dismay, today I discovered that it was the Police that were opening the gate for the politicians to enter the local government. The control crisis still linger and the case is in court, so politicians ought to stay away from the LGAs.”

    Speaking on behalf of the APC council executives, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola denied police bias but noted that security operatives only backed legality.

    “We have been at the council since February 2025, and the keys of the secretariat have been with us. We opened the door for the returning workers today, and the police checked all those who went inside the council today.

    “The NULGE executives were at the gate to identify their colleagues without identity cards. Some of our supporters who went to the secretariat with us were sent back because they had no business there. We are at the council, and we are operating autonomously.”

  • APC, ALGON fault NULGE over conditions for Osun council workers’ resumption

    APC, ALGON fault NULGE over conditions for Osun council workers’ resumption

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) have criticised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over the conditions attached to the planned resumption of council workers in Osun State on January 5, 2026.

    The Nation reports that NULGE had directed its members to return to work after about 11 months of strike action, which followed the crisis over the control of local government councils claimed by both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The President of NULGE, Kehinde Ogungbangbe, had outlined conditions for resumption, including the provision of security for workers and the prevention of APC executives from occupying council offices. He argued that the tenure of the APC-backed officials had expired and that they lacked the authority to allocate council funds.

    Reacting, the APC, through its Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, accused Ogungbangbe of partisan conduct, alleging that the union embarked on a sympathy strike in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke and abandoned its duties for political reasons.

    Olabisi questioned the authority of NULGE to interpret court judgments, accusing the union of overstepping its mandate and interfering in matters beyond its statutory role. He described the conditions set by the union for resumption as unacceptable and inconsistent with civil service procedures.

    He further alleged that the Osun NULGE leadership had become entangled in political interests, insisting that its actions undermined neutrality expected of public servants.

    Similarly, the ALGON chairman, Hon. Samuel Abiodun, warned that security agencies should hold the NULGE chairman responsible for any breach of peace or breakdown of law and order during the resumption of workers at the councils.

    Read Also: After 11 months strike, Osun NULGE resumes Jan. 5

    He warned, “The monetary-induced NULGE executives to desist from any act capable of undermining the peace, unity and tranquillity that the people of the grassroots have been enjoying since the reinstatement of the Council Chairmen and Councillors.”

    “We are aware of the shenanigans being orchestrated by the embattled NULGE President since our reinstatement, as he has shown clearly to the whole world his unchecked partisanship and bias. As we reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, harmony, cohesion, and stability across the councils, we want to put our security agencies on alert in case there’s a breakdown of law and order.”

  • After 11 months strike, Osun NULGE resumes Jan. 5

    After 11 months strike, Osun NULGE resumes Jan. 5

    After 11 months strike embarked on by National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the leadership has directed members to resume duty on January 5.

    NULGE embarked on strike on February 18, as elected executives of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed control of local governments, which led to killings and maiming.

    Subsequently, the APC ‘reinstated’ executives took over the councils, as Federal Government also released withheld allocations to the local government accounts opened by them through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    However, there are several legal issues from the two parties, which have been resolved, except tenure elongation suit filed by the APC members.

    Read Also: Nigerians urged on peaceful co-existence

    Chairmen of PDP presented their 2026 budget before Osun State House of Assembly, while APC chairmen presented their budget before Legislative Councils at the local governments.

    A statement  by the President of NULGE, Kehinde Ogungbangbe, directed members to resume duty on January 5 and requested that security operatives should protect workers across the councils.

    The statement demanded that the APC reinstated chairmen should admit the expiration of their tenure owing to the fact that they were elected on October 15, 2022 and their tenure legally expired on October 30, 2025.

    Ogungbangbe said: “Should there be any breakdown of law and order due to failure to provide security, this correspondence shall be relied upon as evidence that the union duly alerted the security agencies to the impending danger.”

  • JUST IN: NULGE directs members to resume work January 5 after 11-month strike

    JUST IN: NULGE directs members to resume work January 5 after 11-month strike

    After an 11-month strike, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has directed its members to resume duties across local government councils from January 5, 2026.

    The Nation reports that NULGE embarked on the strike on February 18, 2025, following violent clashes triggered by a leadership tussle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local government councils in Osun State, which resulted in killings and injuries.

    Subsequently, APC-backed executives were reinstated and took over the councils, while the Federal Government released withheld allocations into local government accounts opened by them through the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

    Although several legal disputes between the two parties have been resolved, a suit on tenure elongation filed by APC members remains pending.

    In the meantime, PDP council chairmen presented their 2026 budgets to the Osun State House of Assembly, while APC chairmen presented theirs before legislative councils at the local government level.

    In a statement signed by the President of NULGE, Kehinde Ogungbangbe, the union directed members to return to work on January 5, 2026, and called for adequate security to be deployed to all councils to ensure the safety of workers.

    “As you are aware, our members were directed to withdraw their services due to the volatile security situation arising from the leadership tussle and political rivalry between the PDP and APC over control of local government secretariats in Osun State,” the statement read.

    “To safeguard the lives of our members, we had no option but to vacate the premises. However, after extensive internal deliberations, the union has resolved that members should resume work on Monday, January 5, 2026. We hereby request the deployment of sufficient security personnel to all 30 local government councils, area offices and LCDAs to prevent violence and ensure a safe working environment.”

    NULGE also insisted that the APC-reinstated chairmen should acknowledge the expiration of their tenure, noting that they were elected on October 15, 2022, and that their tenure legally ended on October 30, 2025.

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    “On running of local government, the 30 Local Government councils, Area offices and LCDAs Secretariats can be effectively run, without any Chairmen/Councilors by the Head of Local Administration (HLA), with the Director of Administration & General Services and Director of Finance, serving as the duly recognized signatories to the local government accounts under the Osun State Local Government Accounts Administration Law 2025.

    “Our Prayers: In view of our scheduled resumption on 5th January, 2026, we respectfully request the Security Agencies to: Deploy adequate security to the 30 Local Government councils, Area offices and LCDAs Secretariats to prevent intimidation, harassment, or disruption of lawful duties,

    “Prevent any further illegal occupation of these secretariats by unauthorized persons to ensure public peace; Ensure that the Security Agencies maintains its neutrality and upholds the rule of law by protecting public servants from self-help tactics.”

    He warned that “should there be any breakdown of law and order due to a failure to provide security, this correspondence shall be relied upon as evidence that the Union duly alerted the security agencies to the impending danger.”

  • NULGE declares seven-day strike in Rivers over unpaid salaries in LGA 

    NULGE declares seven-day strike in Rivers over unpaid salaries in LGA 

    The Rivers chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has declared seven-day warning strike.

    The body in a statement by its state Secretary, Sunday Adeniran, said the warning strike became inevitable following what it described as the callous and unfair actions of the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd.

    NULGE, which said the action would take effect from midnight of September 30, explained that Lloyd refused to pay its members their salaries.

    The statement said the action would involve all local government workers across the 23 local government areas of the state.

    Read Also: NULGE commends LG chair over commitment to workers’ welfare

    The statement reads: “The state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State chapter, hereby, notifies you that the state executive council of the union at its meeting held on 29th September resolved to embark on a seven-day warning strike.

    “This action has become necessary in view of the callous and unfair action n of the chairman of Emohua Local Government Area in denying our members their salaries”.

    But Lloyd in his reaction said all authentic workers in his council had been paid adding that NULGE’s leadership was was only trying to blackmail him.

    “They are complaining about people, whose names were smuggled into the payroll. In 2024, the staff strength was about 1000 and some fractions, but when we came back, the staff strength had gone up to 1600 and there was no employment,” he said.

  • NULGE commends LG chair over commitment to workers’ welfare

    NULGE commends LG chair over commitment to workers’ welfare

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has commended the Chairman, Epe Local Government of Lagos State, Hon. (Princess), Surah Olayemi Animashaun, for her commitment to workers and entire citizens of the area.

    Chairman, Epe LG branch of NULGE, Comrade Omolara Ajarat Ayeola, gave the commendation during an interactive session with the Chairperson, in commemoration of her beginning of her second term in office.

    Ayeola assured the local government Chairman that the people of the council and Epe LGA will do their best for the success of her administration for the second term.

    She charged the staff of the local government council to be diligent in their commitment to duty, so as to reciprocate the Chairman’s kind gesture to the entire staff and management of the council.

    In her remarks, the Council Chairperson, Hon. (Princess), Animashaun charged those in authority in the local government not to tamper with whatever belongs to the people, adding that she would not spare any officer who corners what belongs to the people into his/her personal pocket.

    Animashaun, who declared herself as the ‘chief servant’ in Epe Local Government, said her administration would be staff friendly if the staffs are ready to cooperate with her.

    Read Also: 3.553 million voters for August 16 legislative bye elections

    The Chairman admonished the staff of the council to be committed to their duties, saying that any staff that is committed to his/her duties would attract some benefits from her administration .

    Animashaun applauded the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for its commitment to workers welfare, adding that Epe Local Government would key into the Governor’s developmental strides for the betterment of the people.

    Vice Chairman, Epe Local Government Council, Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe, called on the women workers in the LGA not to be left out in the schemes of things, stressing that the administration is women centric.

    Hon. Owolomoshe, who asked the women to be committed to their duties, also charged them to be diligent in whatever they do, saying that there is dignity in labour.

    Appreciating the Chairperson, the Human Resource Officer (HRO),  Comrade Aina Oyefuga, thanked the Chairman for being open minded towards the staff, adding that the staff of the Local Government would put in their best for the success of her administration.

  • NULGE urges Tinubu to stop attempts to violate Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy

    NULGE urges Tinubu to stop attempts to violate Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has asked President Bola Tinubu to stop attempts to disobey the Supreme Court order on local government fiscal autonomy.

    NULGE said the president should ensure that allocations to the third tier of government were paid directly to the legitimate accounts of each of the 774 local government councils in the country.

    Addressing journalists at the union’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, NULGE President-General, Comrade Aliyu Kankara, lamented the inability of the Federal Government to enforce the judgement of the apex court on local government fiscal autonomy.

    According to him, it is now over one year since the Supreme Court gave the judgement on the restoration of fiscal autonomy to local government councils, but some state governors have been seeking ways to bypass the law.

    Speaking with particular reference to local government councils in Osun state, Kankara accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to transfer funds belonging to local governments to accounts not recognised by law.

    Read Also: NULGE seeks quick action on council autonomy implementation

    He said, “I stand here today to address a very critical issue where some state actors are creating atmosphere of discord and throwing clean cogs in the wheel of progress of Osun State local government areas by working in contravention of the landmark judgement of July 14th, 2024 on local government fiscal autonomy, where the Central Bank of Nigeria refused to respect the Supreme Court judgement on direct payment of local governments’ allocations to their respective accounts.”

    The NULGE boss referred to a letter dated June 10, 2025, signed by one Okolie Rita in which the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, allegedly, directed that any two of the chairman, treasurer or director of finance and administration or personnel management in each of the local governments in Osun State should endorse an application letter for the opening of an account for each of the local government councils.

    He described such action as an aberration and a clear contravention of the law on local government fiscal autonomy.

    Kankara called on CBN not to recognise any intending signatories to the local government accounts in Osun State other than career officers, who were designated by law and as enshrined in the approved guidelines for the administration of local government areas in Osun State.

    He added, “As a union, we are embarrassed, to say the least, by this surreptitious move to supplant extant law and place the running of the accounts of Osun State local governments in the hands of impostors who are not recognised by law.”

    Kankara said NULGE was appealing to the CBN governor, Minister of Finance, and Accountant General of the Federation to, as a matter of urgency, work together and ensure the release of the withheld Osun State Local Government Allocation from January 2025 to date to the legitimate Local Government Officers.

    He said the law stipulated that “authorised signatories to local governments’ accounts are career officers, specifically, the director of finance and supplies, with the local government chairmen and heads of local government administration to countersign for confirmation.”

  • NULGE seeks quick action on council autonomy implementation

    NULGE seeks quick action on council autonomy implementation

    Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the delay in the implementation of the local government autonomy

    A communique signed by the President-General, Comrade  Aliyu Haruna and Secretary-General, Comrade Isah Gambo, said an autonomous local government would ensure better service delivery, accountability and participatory governance.   The association warned that the continued delay in implementing the Supreme Court judgment might lead to protests by the workers The communique reads in parts: “The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in implementing the local government fiscal autonomy, despite a Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2024 appealing for its enforcement.

    Read Also: Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    “This undue delay undermines the principles of democracy and denies the people at the grassroots numerous inherent benefits associated with Autonomy of Local Government Administration in Nigeria. It is expected that a democratic and people-oriented government should abide by the tenets of democracy and the respect of Rule of Law. “The union emphasised that an autonomous local government system will enable better service delivery, accountability and participatory governance, thereby delivering the pressing needs of the people at the community level.

    “The union charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the implementation of this landmark judgement as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to justice, equity and grassroots development.’’

  • Osun council crisis: NULGE warns CBN against paying allocation into private accounts

    Osun council crisis: NULGE warns CBN against paying allocation into private accounts

    Amid the control crisis of Osun State councils between All Progressives Congress(APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) executives, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) yesterday warned the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) against paying accrued allocation into impostors’ private accounts.

    President of the union, Comrade Kehinde Ogungbangbe, told reporters that they were reacting to a letter dated June 10, this year from the office of Accountant-General of the Federation(AGF), stating the conditions of opening accounts for payment of allocation by the apex bank.

    He raised concerns that the crisis sparked by an Appeal Court judgment had led to a standoff between the ruling PDP and APC.

    Ogungbangbe called on the parties involved to facilitate quick resolution to the local government imbroglio, noting that Governor Ademola Adeleke had shown maturity and leadership ingenuity in handling the situation.

    Read Also: Tinubu at 2025 PPP Summit: Nigerians want infrastructure, not promises

    He said: “NULGE had informed the Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation as well as the CBN Governor that the authorised signatories to gocal government accounts in the Osun State are the Director of Finance and Supplies and the Director of Administration and General Services with the Head of Local Government Administration and Council Chairmen confirming the Schedules.”

    He noted that any contrary signatories aside from the aforementioned career officers are not stated by the law to access the council funds.

    “There is a grand plan by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay Osun State local government allocation into personal accounts of some impostors who are not local government staff. We urge them to adhere to this provision to prevent any further complications and avoid financial malpractice,”  he added.

  • Osun LG crisis: Judge recuses self on NULGE suit

    Osun LG crisis: Judge recuses self on NULGE suit

    The presiding judge for Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun, Justice Isiaka Adeleke, on Thursday withdrew himself from the suit of Nigeria Union of Local Governments Employee (NULGE) against reinstated chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) over council control crisis.

    The Nation recalled that APC elected chairmen took over the 30 councils of Osun state following the February 10, 2025, Appeal Court verdict reinstating them to office after being sacked by Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2022.

    Meanwhile, NULGE opposed the resumption of APC chairmen, hence they were dragged before the Ikirun High Court in suit HIK/5/2025 including the Director-General of the Department of State Security, Inspector General of Police, and others.

    In April 2025, APC alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke had concluded plan to carry out judicial coup by procuring fresh court judgment to order Peoples Democratic Party LG chairmen in office against A’Court verdict.

    At the sitting on Thursday, Justice Adeleke hinged his withdrawal on a petition authored by the Chairman, APC, Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, accusing him of moving to give judgment in favour of NULGE without hearing from all parties involved.

    He added that an APC chieftain, Mr Sunday Akere publicly accused him of move to deliver a judgement to cause chaos in the state, which has successfully set public opinion against the court.

    According to him, On April 6, 2025, one Hon. Sunday Akere addressed a press conference wherein he alleged that this court was brought to procure kangaroo judgement to cause chaos in Osun State. Similarly, on April 10, 2025, one Sooko Tajudeen Lawal petitioned the Honourable Chief Judge of Osun accusing this court of conspiracy with the claimant to procure judgement without hearing from all parties.

    Read Also: Osun LG crisis: NULGE faction directs resumption of workers

    “The persons have successfully set public opinion against this court, and in my opinion, justice is rooted in public confidence. And the percentage at times is stronger than reality. I cannot, despite these allegations of bias, proceed to determine the matter, as any outcome would be perceived as biased. If, at the end, a judgment was delivered in favour of party A, the other would say I was bought to deliver it, and if it favoured party B, the other would say I was blackmailed to give the judgment.

    “If someone is to be said to be non-partisan, that person is me, as I am accountable to Almighty Allah and the oath of my office. To this end, I shall, in line with the practice of my profession, proceed to disqualify myself from the suit.

    “The combined effect of the APC is that I cannot deliver true judgment in this matter, therefore, the file numbered HIK/5/2025 is returned to the Honourable Chief Judge for reassignment.”