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The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has criticized the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for its planned protest against the police barricade of 23 local government council secretariats in Rivers State.
ALGON urged NULGE to restrain its members and advised local government staff to “refrain from any protest that their greedy leaders want to drag them into.” This comes in response to NULGE President Clifford Paul’s ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the removal of police barricades within four days or face a protest.
Paul claimed the police action has prevented members from working, leading to financial strain and significant man-hour losses. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) also supported NULGE’s stance, condemning the police’s actions and backing the ultimatum.
However, Rivers State ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, accused NULGE of political bias. At a media briefing, Ihunda criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointing NULGE members to caretaker committees for the 23 LGAs, despite a Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo.
Ihunda alleged, “From the list of caretaker committee members, we observe that across the 23 LGA appointments were made from NULGE members… They were not supposed to be.” He suggested NULGE’s protest plans were in collaboration with NLC and TUC due to these appointments.
Emuoha Local Government Area Chairman, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, echoed Ihunda’s concerns, accusing NULGE of entangling itself in political disputes. Lloyd argued that NULGE members appointed to caretaker committees should have resigned from their positions, emphasizing the illegality of their dual roles.
Lloyd further criticized the state’s governance, citing the extension of LG chairmen’s tenure in other states like Zamfara and Akwa Ibom as precedents for handling elections delays without unrest. He called for the National President of NULGE to restrain members in Rivers State and for council staff to avoid protests.
ALGON members, asserting their commitment to lawful proceedings, expressed support for the police’s actions to maintain order and prevent further violence, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with Governor Fubara’s administration.
