NLC asks LG workers to withdraw services in Osun, cites political upheaval

• The union stressed that political parties must follow the rule of law to prevent chaos and further instability.
• Governor Ademola Adeleke directed newly elected LG chairpersons to avoid secretariats “to prevent clashes with those forcibly occupying them.”
• Violence erupted at several LG secretariats as APC and PDP supporters clashed, resulting in gunfire and at least six fatalities.

The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered its members working in local government areas across the state to halt their services.

Osun NLC chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, stated that the directive was issued due to safety concerns, stressing that the ongoing political unrest poses serious risks to workers.

According to Arapasopo, the NLC remains neutral in political matters but will not allow its members to operate in an unsafe environment that threatens their well-being.

“The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly affirm her earlier release notifying all Local Government Area Workers in the State to withdraw their services as a result of the political upheaval within their workplaces still subsist, while continuing in their prayers for the state,” the statement reads.

“This release further reiterates that our members safety at work is of high priority and we will not allow our members to work in an atmosphere 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 these 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 decision comes amid heightened tension over the Osun local government elections, which have been plagued by disputes, lawsuits, and violent confrontations.

On February 16, the union reaffirmed its stance, ordering workers to step away from their duties due to security threats while emphasising its commitment to protecting members.

Political parties and their supporters, the union warned, must adhere to the rule of law to prevent further disorder, calling on security agencies to maintain order.

At the swearing-in of the newly elected local government chairpersons, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, instructed them to avoid the secretariats “to prevent clashes with those forcibly occupying them with police support.”

Tensions escalated last week when violence erupted at multiple local government secretariats following clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.

During the unrest, gunshots rang out, prompting residents to flee, while at least six individuals were fatally shot as the situation spiralled out of control.