Delta LG workers back councils’ autonomy

By Festus Ahon

ASABA—LOCAL government workers in Delta State, under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Wednesday, thronged the streets of Asaba in support of autonomy for local government councils.

The workers who marched through Summit Road to the State House of Assembly complex on Okpanam Road and Government House on Anwai Road,  disrupted socio-economic activities in Asaba metropolis, causing traffic gridlock in the state capital city.

The workers, drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state, kicked against the clocking system recently introduced by the council chairmen as a away of checking attendance and their attitude to work.

National President of NULGE, Alhaji Ibrahim Khaleed, who was in the state for the rally, said that the march would be held across the country, explaining that similar rallies had been held in other states.

Flanked by the President of the union in the state,   Ziko Okwudi, Khaleed, after a three-hour closed door meeting with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, commended the workers for their patience and courage, insisting   that the union would not relent in its efforts to secure autonomy for local governments.

Saying the National Secretariat of NULGE was aware of the plight of its members in the state, he said that they would not continue in the depravity meted on local government workers in the country.

He said,   “We have registered our dismay and displeasure. After a meeting that last for three hours with the governor, we were able to get at a conclusion close to favourable. It is close to favourable because the governor gave us huge commitments.”

Noting that the governor had   promised to appropriately disburse funds to offset arrears and pay salaries of local government workers on receipt of the Paris Club Refund, he disclosed that the governor approved a joint technical committee to fashion out more amicable way to administer local government workers salaries in the state.

On the issue of clock in clock out policy to monitor workers attendance, Idris said the union agreed with the governor to allow for requisite representation of members in the due diligence committee to frustrate any witch hunting efforts.

He however,   said that policy of clock in would not be immediate, urging the workers to be civilised and be serious with their jobs.

Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly,   Mrs Lyna Ochulor who addressed the workers, promised to convey the message to the House once they resume, explaining that the House was on a two-week   recess.

 

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