Disquiet has rented the atmosphere in the Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over the appointment of the State Finance Commissioner, Bola Oyebamiji as the Chairman of the electoral Committee of the union.
The election, which has become contentious before, has been a subject of court case as a factional group is alleging the Head of Service in the State, Dr Olowogboyega Oyebade of pushing for a candidate to emerge as the Chairman.
According to a circular sighted by this paper, the permanent secretary, Office of the Head of Service, S. A. Aina said the governor has lifted ban on the activities of NULGE.
The circular read, “In tandem with the philosophy of the present administration in the State of Osun to ensure socio-political stability through the sustenance of industrial peace and harmony at all levels of government, the Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has graciously approved the lifting of ban placed on the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) forthwith. The Governor’s kind gesture was consequent upon the courtesy call on him by the National body of the Association during which the body pleaded with him on the matter.
“Accordingly, Mr. Governor has approved the composition of an ad-hoc Committee with the mandate to plan, organize and oversee hitch-free State Delegates Conference and Local Government Branch elections for NULGE between now and 20th July, 2021 under the chairmanship of Hon. Commissioner for Finance.
Other members of the Committee are:
Head of Service;
I) Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs;
(ii) Special Adviser to the Governar on Security Matters;
(iv) Permanent Secretary/Solicitor-General, Ministry of Justice;
(v) Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council ( UNC):
(vi) Director, Establishments and Training (LGSC); and
(vii) Director, Labour and Industrial Relations, Ministry of Human Resources and Capacity Building
3. By this circular, all activities relating to the conduct of the local government elections and state delegates conference by members of the Union can now be conducted under an atmosphere free of rancour and acrimony. All Stakeholders involved in the various processes must do all under a peaceful atmosphere.
4. Arising from the forgoing, all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, specifically Stakeholders in the Local Government system, are requested to note the foregoing for necessary action at their ends.”
The development has generated disquiet among members of the union as many are accusing the state Governor of hijacking the process to ensure a preferred candidate of the government emerges.
Those who spoke with InsightMedia on the condition of anonymity said they want the governor to reverse his decision and allow the union to conduct its affairs without government interference.
One of the sources said, “all we want is for the government to hand off the union election and allow members to determine their fate. We don’t believe there’s going to be level playing ground when the Finance Commissioner is the head of electoral committee.”
