Osun APC, NLC trade accusations over threats, strike action

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have traded accusations over the prolonged industrial crisis involving the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE.

In a statement on Saturday signed by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party alleged that the State Chairman of the NLC, Christopher Arapasopo, had fabricated claims of threats to his life, describing him as a sell-out to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

The party accused Arapasopo of indulging in falsehoods and acting against the welfare of local government workers.

“We were vindicated that Arapasopo did not deny the fact that he has been frolicking in the company of women of easy virtues, patronising hotels and eateries amidst gun-wielding Amotekun corps under the guise of security threat,” the APC statement read.

The opposition party also alleged that Arapasopo’s conduct was responsible for the continued hardship of council workers who, it said, had been unable to access their cooperative funds, emoluments, and statutory allocations for traditional rulers.

“If the reason being bandied by Arapasopo for preventing the NULGE from resumption is that of security of their lives, why hasn’t he considered it appropriate for the state workers too to proceed on strike?” the statement added.

The APC insisted that Arapasopo should focus on pressing issues such as unpaid pensions, gratuities, and poor welfare of judiciary workers, accusing him of serving as a mouthpiece of the state government.

Responding in an earlier statement, the NLC Chairman, Arapasopo, rejected the allegations, insisting that the threats to his life were real and linked to the APC’s alleged intolerance of criticism.

“The intimidation was connected to our stance against violations of law and the constitution in Osun State,” he said.

He accused APC members of storming local government secretariats earlier in the year, destroying property, and terrorising communities, which he said justified the continued strike action by NULGE members.

“Since they are well informed of my whereabouts and routine, it is clear they are following me, which is seriously concerning given their prior behaviour,” Arapasopo alleged.

The labour leader dismissed claims of being sponsored by Governor Adeleke, describing them as pathetic and blatant attempts to discredit him.

He called on security agencies to investigate what he described as subtle threats to his life and ensure that those behind them are held accountable.

While accusing the APC of fostering hardship during its past administration, Arapasopo urged workers to ignore the APC allegations as it was meant to lure them back into the lions’ den.

Osun APC, NLC trade accusations over threats, strike action