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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has refuted claims made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state that he bribed the leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
Governor Adeleke characterized these allegations as unfounded and a threat to democracy as well as the judiciary.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, Governor Adeleke asserted that the APC’s claims lacked basis and represented yet another attempt to undermine the rule of law.
He stated that the ongoing attacks and misinformation from the APC are indicative of the opposition's blatant disregard for the judiciary and democratic principles.
“The level of impunity displayed by the state APC poses a serious threat to our democratic existence. The party initiated this by misrepresenting a Court of Appeal judgment to falsely claim the reinstatement of its chairpersons who were removed by the court,” he explained.
According to him, the APC has chosen to disregard a valid judgment that confirmed the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairpersons and councillors across local governments.
“Acting like political opportunists in a lawless environment, the state APC has become even bolder in invading and occupying council secretariats without any legal authority. With a system that seems to endorse illegality, the opposition shamelessly attempted to claim public funds through another layer of illegality until they were lawfully restrained,” he noted.
He added that the judiciary has provided necessary interventions, but the opposition's blatant disregard for court processes has reached an alarming level.
“The judiciary has intervened to clarify the situation. Unfortunately, the state APC appears so embittered and brazen in its disrespect for the judiciary that it continues to debate a matter currently before the highest court in the land,” he maintained.
He urged the public to dismiss the APC’s latest fabrications, asserting that the workers’ union is an independent entity that does not require inducements to safeguard its own interests.
“The effort to prevent the attempted looting of the local government treasury is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders who do not need inducement to act responsibly. The opposition has reached the end of its road; the people have resisted illegality, and the judiciary will soon deliver its final verdict,” he added.
Earlier, the Osun APC had accused Governor Adeleke of financially incentivizing striking NULGE officials to prolong their absence from work.
The APC, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, alleged that the governor paid senior NULGE officials substantial amounts to maintain their strike.
According to the APC, a viral video recorded by a senior NULGE member revealed that each Head of Local Government Administration in the 69 local councils, including Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), received ₦750,000, while Directors of Administration and Finance were paid ₦500,000 each.
Other Directors and NULGE chairpersons were said to have received ₦250,000 each, allegedly from the state government, to sustain the eight-month work stoppage.
“It is quite unusual for a government to sink so low as to promote and finance an illegal work stoppage against itself. This has resulted in unnecessary suffering for traditional rulers and grassroots residents,” Olabisi stated.
He further claimed that the governor’s actions have caused delays in local government fund disbursements and accused Adeleke of shifting blame onto the APC and federal agencies.
“Our consolation as a party is that this current government has a limited term, ending on November 27, 2026. The APC will return to restore the state’s lost glory,” he added.
He also criticized NULGE leaders for compromising their integrity, accusing them of neglecting the welfare of rank-and-file council workers who are struggling during the extended strike.
The APC, while asserting that the alleged bribery constitutes a betrayal of the workforce, emphasized that many retirees have missed their terminal benefits and celebrations due to the prolonged work stoppage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made against Governor Adeleke?
The APC has accused Governor Adeleke of bribing NULGE officials to prolong their strike, alleging that he paid large sums to ensure their absence from work.
How has Governor Adeleke responded to these allegations?
Governor Adeleke has dismissed the allegations as baseless and a threat to democracy, asserting that they are an attempt to undermine the rule of law.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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