Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has praised the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for its decision to resume work on January 5, describing it as “patriotic and people-oriented.”

The governor said the workers’ commitment to return represents a “positive development for grassroots governance” and underscores the labour movement’s sensitivity to the “yearnings and aspirations of the people.”

He expressed optimism that the resumption will mark a fresh start for activated services and social deliveries at the grassroots level.

Describing local governance as the most effective way to reach residents, Adeleke said the labour leaders had demonstrated faith in responsible leadership.

He also took time to commend police authorities for ensuring security at council secretariats ahead of the resumption.

This was disclosed in a Saturday statement signed by a spokesperson to the state governor, Olawale Rasheed.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Transitioning from security matters, the governor addressed the broader context of local government autonomy, noting the importance of rule of law and due process.

“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.

“The constitution and the laws on the local government system must be complied with in financial, administrative and other matters. The rightfully elected leadership of the local government should also not be denied their legitimate rights to exercise their mandate. This has been our position,” it further read.

Concluding his remarks, Adeleke welcomed the workers’ return and emphasised the role of peace and unity in delivering the dividends of democracy.

“We welcome the workers’ resumption of duties. We commend the police and other security agencies for keeping our state peaceful.

“Only under harmonious conditions can the dividends of democracy be sufficiently delivered. We need peace, unity and adherence to democratic principles,” it concluded.

Earlier on Friday, the Osun State Police Command said it had received credible intelligence indicating that certain unscrupulous politicians were planning to disrupt the resumption of duties by local government employees at various council secretariats across the state.

It subsequently warned that such plans will not be tolerated and will be met with resolute and decisive action by the command to maintain law and order. (Punch)