LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), for its decision to resume work on January 5, describing the move as a patriotic step that restores confidence in grassroots governance.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the workers return signals a renewed commitment to public service delivery at the local government level. According to him, the decision reflects sensitivity to the needs of residents who rely heavily on councils for basic social services.
Adeleke noted that functional local governments remain the closest tier of administration to the people, stressing that the labour union’s action demonstrated trust in responsible leadership. He therefore expressed optimism that the resumption of duties would reactivate stalled services and strengthen social development across communities.
Shifting focus to security, the governor praised the Nigeria Police Force for ensuring a peaceful environment ahead of the resumption. He specifically acknowledged the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for providing security cover at council secretariats.
“As much as I’m commending the NULGE leadership, I must also appreciate the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11 and the Osun state Commissioner of Police for their commitment to provide security cover for the lawful resumption of activities at the various council secretariats,” Adeleke said.
Continuing, “The police command has acted responsibly to prevent anarchy and violence being plotted by some elements. The prompt action of the police has nipped in the bud any untoward happening across our secretariats. We hope to see the Command following through its directive against the evil plot to disrupt workers resumption of duty.”
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Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s support for decentralization while warning against actions that undermine due process. He said autonomy must be implemented within the bounds of the constitution and existing laws.
“Our government is not opposed to local government autonomy. The presidential decision on local autonomy has good intentions of devolving good governance to the local level. We support it. What we, however, advocate is that rule of law and due process must never be sacrificed on the altar of political shenanigans,” he said.
He further insisted that elected local government officials must be allowed to exercise their constitutional mandate without interference, stressing that financial and administrative procedures must align with legal provisions.
Wrapping up his remarks, the governor welcomed the return of workers and linked peace to effective governance.
Earlier on Friday, the Osun State Police Command disclosed that it had received intelligence about plans by some politicians to disrupt the resumption of duties at council secretariats.
Ultimately, the command warned that any attempt to breach public order would attract decisive action, reinforcing the state government’s call for calm and lawful conduct across all local councils.
