LG crisis: Oluwole Oke cautions Osun NULGE against political partisanship
The member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Oluwole Oke has cautioned the Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, against political partisanship.
Oke, who is the Chairman, House Committee in Foreign Affairs, also urged the body to remain focused on its core public service responsibilities.
Oke, in a personally signed statement made available to journalists on Friday, expressed concern over reports indicating that the Osun NULGE chapter had abandoned its duties to support political interests in the state.
He said, “The attention of my office has been drawn to disturbing reports that the Osun State Chapter of NULGE has taken sides in politically related matters.”
He described the development as dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy, institutions, and the ordinary citizens who rely on local government services for daily sustenance.
Oke reminded the union of its constitutional mandate to operate as a non-partisan body, dedicated to defending the rights and welfare of local government employees.
He warned that abandoning its duties could lead to violations of established laws and principles.
“NULGE, by its mandate, is a non-partisan workers’ union… not to become a political tool in the hands of any administration or political party,” he stressed.
According to Oke, “Such actions may be in breach of the Public Service Rules, the Trade Unions Act, and the trust of citizens who rely on local councils for services like sanitation, healthcare, education, and community development.
“It is also ironic that a union that has consistently advocated for local government autonomy would now choose to act in subservience to state political interests.”
He cautioned that such a stance could damage the union’s credibility and long-term relevance.
While calling on the National Secretariat of NULGE to urgently intervene in the matter and restore the union’s neutrality and order in its Osun State chapter, Oke urged local government workers to remember that their primary duty is to serve the people.
“Public service is a sacred trust. Political loyalty should never override constitutional responsibility,” he stated.
Oke appealed to all stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of the people of Osun State above personal and partisan considerations.
“Let us put the people of Osun State first — above party lines, above individual interest, and above temporary political advantage,” the lawmaker stated.
DAILY POST had earlier reported that in the aftermath of the crisis over local government elections in Osun State, the state chapter of NULGE advised members not to resume work at the local government secretariats in other to avoid putting their lives in danger.
Dispute between the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over which political party controls local government administration in Osun State had turned violent, resulting in loss of libes in Ikire town.
Remi Abass, the chairmanship candidate of the APC in Irewole local government area was among those killed in the violence.
LG crisis: Oluwole Oke cautions Osun NULGE against political partisanship
