The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), rallied in Jos on Thursday, demanding autonomy for local government administration in the country.
President of NULGE, Mr Ibrahim Khaleel led officials and members of the union through the streets before moving to the Government House where they submitted a letter to the Gov Simon Lalong.
The protesters said workers at the third arm of government were tired of “undue interference” from state governors.
The union decried the situation, saying, “it is negatively affecting development at local government as the closest to the people.
“We are all aware that the third tier of government is the closest to the people, hence the need for the autonomy for the people at the grassroots to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
The union explained that the autonomy would strengthen its institutional framework.
They solicited the assistance of the state governor in ensuring that the third tier stands on its own, both administratively and financially.
The union presented an award to Lalong “for judiciously using the Paris Club refund for the payment of local government staffs and pensioners.
National president of NULGE said the union chose Plateau to flag on its nationwide rally in recognition of Lalong’s efforts in addressing workers’ need.
“The award is in recognition of the governor’s uncommon feat that stands him out among his colleagues because we believe it will spur him to do more for the workers,” he said.
The union appealed to the governor to address the outstanding salaries of Plateau LG staff and ‘no work no pay’ policy.
Lalong assured the union that he will make good his promise on the matter and thanked them for the honour done him.
“This award will spur me to providing better welfare packages to the state workforce’’, he said, and commended the union for legitimately pursing its demands.
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