NLC orders service withdrawal in Osun LGAs over tension

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun Chapter, has instructed all members working in Local Government Areas (LGAs) to withdraw their services from Monday midnight.

Mr Christopher Arapasopo, Osun NLC Chairman, issued the statement in response to the political tension following a Court of Appeal judgment in the state.

He said NLC had observed the political unrest causing fear and agitation among its members working in the Local Government Areas.

According to him, NLC remains apolitical, but it will not allow its members to work in an environment of insecurity.

“We call on all political parties and their members to respect the rule of law. We insist on upholding the rule of law to prevent a descent into anarchy.

“As a result, we are directing all our members in the LGAs across Osun to withdraw their services effective Monday, Feb. 17 by 12 a.m. (midnight).

“We will not allow our members to return until their safety at work is assured, as it is their constitutional right.

“We urge all security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in Osun’s Local Governments and the general public,” Arapasopo said.

It was reported that the Court of Appeal in Akure ruled on the matter of the removed All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government chairmen and councillors.

The APC interpreted the judgment as the reinstatement of the chairmen and councillors removed by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in 2022.

However, the Osun Government and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) stated that the judgment did not reinstate the removed officials.

The state government and OSSIEC confirmed that a fresh local government election is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22.