UPDATED: Osun LG crisis: NLC directs members to withdraw services over safety

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council, has directed its members working in all 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state to withdraw their services, effective Monday, February 17, 2025, due to safety concerns.

The Osun Chairperson of the NLC, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, in a letter addressed to all NLC affiliates and local government workers, highlighted the current political unrest in the state, which has created an atmosphere of agitation and fear among members of the union.

Arapasopo emphasized that the union is apolitical but will not allow its members to work in an environment that poses a risk to their safety.

He stated that the withdrawal of services will continue until the safety of the members can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right.

The letter read in part: “In furtherance of this, we hereby direct all our members working in all the LGAs in Osun State to withdraw their services, effective Monday, 17th February 2025, by 12 am (midnight).

“We will not allow our members to return until their safety at work can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right.

“We hereby call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of all lives and property within Osun State Local Governments and the public in general.

“The NLC Osun State remains committed to defending the rights, welfare, and safety of all its members.

“We urge all political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law. We insist on the rule of law to avoid a descent into anarchy.”

Update:

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to steer clear of politics.

The chairman of the party in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, urged the NLC to focus on its duties, emphasizing that the current issue is a political matter that the union should not interfere with.

He said, “Our advice to the NLC is to seek help from knowledgeable persons to understand that this is not an industrial tussle but a political issue which the union should not dabble in.

“They should go about their duties, as the APC would do everything within the law to claim its rights.”