The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Osun State has tipped its hat to the police for giving firm security assurances ahead of the resumption of local government workers on January 5.
The union’s commendation was conveyed in a statement released on Saturday in Osogbo by the state NULGE President, Mr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, who said the police pledge had steadied frayed nerves and restored confidence among workers across the state.
Ogungbangbe noted that the assurance from the police had helped to allay fears and reinforced trust in the capacity of security agencies to keep the peace in the various council areas as workers return to their desks.
He singled out the police for their resolve to provide watertight security for lives and property, describing the move as timely and reassuring at a delicate moment.
According to him, the forward-looking posture of the police mirrors professionalism, a sense of duty and commitment to their constitutional role of maintaining public order and protecting lawful activities.
“The confidence expressed by the police has gone a long way in calming fears among our members and easing concerns about their safety as they resume work,” Ogungbangbe said.
He added that the police stance had further strengthened the union’s belief in the ability of security agencies to act without fear or favour in defence of the rule of law and public peace.
The NULGE president reaffirmed the union’s dedication to peaceful engagement, due process and responsible unionism, urging members to work hand in glove with security agencies.
He called on workers to conduct themselves in a calm, lawful and orderly manner as they carry out their official responsibilities.
In the same vein, Governor Ademola Adeleke applauded the leadership of NULGE for opting to return to work, describing the decision as patriotic and rooted in the public interest.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the workers’ decision reflected the labour movement’s sensitivity to the needs and expectations of grassroots communities.
Adeleke said the January 5 resumption would mark the dawn of renewed service delivery and improved social services across the state.
“I also commend the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 11 and the Commissioner of Police in the state for their commitment to providing security cover for the lawful resumption of activities at the various council secretariats.
“The police command has acted responsibly to forestall anarchy and violence allegedly being plotted by some elements.
“The prompt intervention of the police has effectively nipped in the bud any untoward developments across our local government secretariats.
“We expect the command to sustain this resolve and enforce its directive against any attempt to disrupt the resumption of duty by workers,” he said.
Local government administration in Osun has been caught in turbulent waters following the February 10 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Akure.
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) argued that the ruling did not reinstate the sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, the APC maintained that the judgment returned them to office.
The disagreement prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and NULGE to direct local government workers to down tools from February 17, 2025, citing security concerns.
However, on December 29, 2025, the state NULGE president instructed workers to resume duty.
Ogungbangbe explained that after wide-ranging internal consultations, the union resolved that its members should return to work on January 5, 2026.
The decision, however, stirred resistance from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state.
In a statement, the Osun ALGON Chairman, Mr Samuel Abiodun, called on security agencies to hold Ogungbangbe accountable should there be any breach of peace or breakdown of law and order in the state’s local government areas.
