Osun NLC Orders Local Government Workers to Withdraw Services Amid Security Concerns
The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a directive ordering civil servants in local government areas across the state to withdraw their services due to escalating security concerns.
In a statement released by Christopher Arapasopo, the Osun NLC chairman, the union cited political tensions as the reason behind the decision.
“The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly affirms our earlier directive, advising all local government workers in the state to withdraw their services due to the political upheaval at their workplaces. We also urge our members to continue praying for the peace and stability of our state,” the statement read.
The union emphasized that the safety of workers remains a top priority, stressing that they would not allow their members to operate in an environment of insecurity.
“The Osun State Council of the NLC remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the masses. We shall not be cowed or intimidated by desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved state.”
The NLC’s directive follows the recent unrest triggered by the Osun local government elections. On February 16, the union had initially called for a withdrawal of services, reaffirming its stance as an apolitical body.
Tensions escalated further on Saturday when Governor Ademola Adeleke, during the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairpersons, instructed them to stay away from their secretariats to prevent violent confrontations with opposition members who, he claimed, were occupying the offices with police backing.
The crisis has resulted in violent clashes between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Last week, several local government secretariats turned into battlegrounds as rival political factions engaged in fierce confrontations. Gunshots were fired, forcing residents to flee for safety, and reports confirmed that at least six people lost their lives in the chaos.
With tensions showing no signs of abating, the Osun NLC has made it clear that it will not compromise on the safety of its members. The union continues to monitor the situation, urging the government to restore order while standing by its commitment to protect workers from potential harm.
