NLC orders service withdrawal over members safety concerns

…as APC tells NLC to stay out of politics

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Council has issued a directive for all its members working in Local Government Councils to withdraw their services effective 12 am on February 17th, 2025.

According to a letter addressed to all NLC affiliates and local government workers by Christopher Arapasopo, the NLC chairperson, said the decision was as a result of escalating political tensions and concerns over the safety of NLC members within the state’s Local Government Authorities. He said that services would not resume until the safety of workers could be assured and guaranteed.

Arapasopo emphasised that the NLC remains committed to defending the rights, welfare, and safety of its members.

“The NLC is apolitical, but we won’t allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity. We won’t allow our members to return until their safety at work can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right.

“We urge all the political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law. We insist on the rule of law to avoid a descent to anarchy. We hereby call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of all lives and properties within Osun State Local Governments and the public in general.”

Meanwhile, Tajudeen Lawal, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the NLC not to dabble into politics and should allow rule of law reign in the State.

He said, “Our advice to the NLC is to seek help from knowledgeable persons to know that this is not industrial tussle but a political issue which the union should not dabble into. They should go about their duties as the APC would do everything within the law to claim its rights.”

The directive by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stems from the Appeal Court’s verdict, which both the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) are interpreting differently.

The APC claimed the judgment reinstated the sacked Local Government chairmen and councillors, while the PDP-led Government opposes this interpretation.

Meanwhile, the APC has stated that its sacked chairmen and councillors will resume their duties on Monday, prompting the NLC to direct its members to withdraw their services over safety concerns.