Why are you people afraid, Osun APC? The moment news surfaces that the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) might embark on a peaceful protest, your party rushes to raise alarms, alert security agencies, and cry foul as if the sky is falling. If your actions and those of your leaders have been upright, transparent, and in the best interest of the people of Osun State, there should be no reason for this needless panic mode.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen and group the right to peaceful assembly and protest, as long as it is conducted within the bounds of the law and does not infringe on the rights of others. NULGE members, like any other workers or citizens, have every constitutional right to express their grievances if they feel things are not going right—whether it’s delayed entitlements, mismanagement of funds, or any other legitimate concerns. In a democracy, protest is a tool for accountability, not a crime. Let the international community, the media, and the good people of Osun watch and see what is truly happening.
The people of Osun already know your handiwork. They have witnessed how local government workers have been maltreated, how funds meant for the councils have been allegedly embezzled or withheld, and how efforts have been made to destabilize good governance under Governor Ademola Adeleke, particularly as his re-election approaches.
This is why workers and citizens are reacting. Your party’s constant alarm over planned actions by NULGE or other groups only highlights your discomfort with scrutiny and accountability.
If workers feel compelled to protest, it is undoubtedly because of how they have been treated and the entitlements they are being denied. The straightforward and most responsible solution is clear: release the local government funds to the elected chairmen in Osun State without further delay or politicization. Stop holding on to what belongs to the councils under the guise of legal battles or other excuses. Once these funds are disbursed as they should be, many of these grievances will be addressed, and there will be no basis for unrest.
In my opinion, this panic is needless and exposes more about your fears than about any real threat. Let NULGE exercise their rights peacefully if they choose to. The focus should be on good governance, prompt payment of entitlements, and transparent management of resources, not on manufacturing alarms to distract from the real issues. Osun deserves better than this endless cycle of accusations and counter-accusations.
The ball is in your court, Osun APC. Do the right thing, release the funds, and let peace prevail. Panic mode won’t solve anything, it only shows guilt.
E-signed: Hon Comrade James Onifade
DG, Osogbo Accord Media Force (OAMF)
