Three local government employees in Osun State were arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing official items from their respective council secretariats.
The arrests took place at the Boluwaduro and Egbedore Local Government secretariats shortly after workers resumed duty following the suspension of industrial action.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on behalf of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, chairman, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Barrister Adegoke Ogunsola, said two workers were apprehended at the Boluwaduro secretariat, while another was arrested at Egbedore.
According to Ogunsola, the suspects were allegedly caught after forcing open offices and attempting to remove documents and other council property.
“As you are aware, workers under the NULGE platform resumed work today, and unfortunately, incidents were recorded in Boluwaduro and Egbedore Local Government secretariats,” he said.
“In Boluwaduro, two persons were arrested, while one person was apprehended in Egbedore. They were allegedly caught after breaking into offices and attempting to cart away documents. They have since been handed over to the police for further investigation,” Ogunsola added.
However, the Osun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Dr Christopher Arapasopo, condemned the arrests, describing them as acts of intimidation and harassment against local government workers.
Speaking at a public event in Osogbo, Arapasopo accused politicians of using security agencies to victimise workers and warned that labour unions would not hesitate to take action if the situation persists.
“We have seen videos and photographs showing our members being humiliated and forced to kneel. We strongly condemn this behaviour,” he said.
He also criticised the police for what he termed as their involvement in the harassment of workers, calling for the immediate release of those arrested.
“We stand in solidarity with our members. The police must not allow themselves to be used for illegal actions. Any attempt to intimidate workers at the local government level will be resisted through lawful means,” Arapasopo warned.
He also cautioned against actions that could heighten political tension in the state, stressing that labour unions would continue to defend the rights and dignity of their members while maintaining peace and order.
In this article