The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has frowned at the encroachment of Local Government (LG) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) by the State Governors and demanded for its autonomy for effective economic development.
Speaking at the 10th Quadrennial State Delegates’ conference of NULGE, Lagos State Chapter, the National President, Alhaji Ibrahim Khaleel, stated that “the union is not happy with how state governors administer local governments. Infact, the encroachment over local government administration is taking new dimensions across Nigeria.
“We cannot continue to fold our arms and now, there is need for different approach on how to free local governments from the shackles of State Governors. We will partner Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on moves to ensure constitutional amendment that will free local governments from the State Governors.”
He, however, thanked Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, over prompt payment of salaries for workers in the state.
“Lagos State remains the only state that does not owe salaries throughout the federation,” he said.
Besides, the new elected President of NULGE, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Afolabi Ajose, thanked all delegates that attended the Delegates’ Conference and voted him as their President. He assured to consolidate on his achievements during his tenure in an acting capacity between 2015-2016.
He stated his achievements to include non examination conversion, non examination promotion which will be effective from 2017, bulk payment of leave bonuses, restoration of salary incremental step, zero balance salary account, workers forum for all members and distribution of parcels of land to beneficiaries.
Others include reconstruction of NULGE State Secretariat, initiating and ensuring implementation of training of intending retires on skill and vocational acquisition and ensuring industrial harmony within the 20 local government councils, 37 LCDAs and LAWMA.
He commended the efforts of Ambode who he said provided a platform for the enumerated achievements.
“Institutions without a visionary leader are as good as dead. The Lagos State Government Service Commission has, in an unquantifiable way, been a pillar of support and ladder on which we had been able to climb to this height. We salute the astuteness, tenacity, doggedness and the sagacity of the Commission under the amiable leadership of Honorable Babatunde Rotinwa,” he said.
In his Goodwill Message, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Mrs Bolanle Ogunmola, stated that “ today is very remarkable in the history of NULGE because of peaceful conducts of all members and delegates present. However, let us all key into this government’s vision because it’s a government of inclusion.
“I congratulate all the executives for peaceful conducts of the conference today and will also urge you to live up to your promise because you will be held accountable.”
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