The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State Council, has commended its members across the state for what it described as a peaceful, orderly and disciplined resumption of duties, while strongly condemning the arrest and alleged intimidation of its members by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement signed by the President of the union, Comrade Dr. Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, NULGE praised workers for demonstrating maturity, commitment and respect for the rule of law, noting that their conduct reflects dedication to public service and the uninterrupted delivery of governance at the grassroots.
However, the union expressed serious concern over what it termed “disturbing and unacceptable” actions by the police, accusing officers of arresting and harassing local government employees who were lawfully carrying out their duties.
NULGE said the arrests were particularly troubling in view of an earlier police assurance that no politician would be allowed into local government secretariats, a statement which, according to the union, gave workers confidence to resume work peacefully.
Contrary to that assurance, the union alleged that its members were arrested in Boluwaduro, Egbedore, Ila and Ilesa West local government areas.
It disclosed that two staff members, Mrs. Olaojo Felicia Funke and Mr. Sunday Oyelami, were arrested in Boluwaduro, while Mr. Taiwo Adebayo was arrested in Egbedore. In Ilesa West Local Government, Damilola Olatunde and Daramola Folasade were also reportedly arrested.
Addressing allegations against one of the arrested staff, the union clarified that Mrs. Felicia Olaojo was accused of attempting to steal government property from the council secretariat.
NULGE, however, dismissed the claim, explaining that she merely packed cooperative ledgers, which it stressed are not government property.
The union described the arrests as a violation of the rights of its members and a clear contradiction of the police’s public assurances.
NULGE therefore called on the Osun State Police Command to immediately release all arrested members and to refrain from further actions capable of escalating tension at the local government level.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, dialogue and lawful engagement, the union urged all security agencies to uphold professionalism, neutrality and the rule of law in the discharge of their responsibilities.
NULGE applauds peaceful resumption, demands release of arrested members in Osun
