Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun state chapter has directed civil servants in Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state to withdraw their services due to safety concerns.
The Osun NLC chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, announced in a statement that “our members’ safety at work is of high priority and we will not allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.”
This directive comes after the turmoil that trailed the Osun LG election, which saw violence erupt at some LG secretariats in the state.
The NLC statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the masses. “We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved state,” the statement read.
On February 16, the NLC asked its members to withdraw services in the state, while reaffirming its apolitical stance.
The directive is also in response to the recent clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those of the PDP, which resulted in the death of at least six persons.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the newly elected chairpersons to avoid local government secretariats “to prevent clashes with those forcibly occupying them with police support.”
The NLC’s decision to direct civil servants to withdraw their services is aimed at ensuring their safety amidst the ongoing political tensions.
