By John Dike Osogbo
…Alerts police, accuses labour leaders of partisan interference
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned three-day sympathy strike and proposed picketing of United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches across the state over the lingering dispute surrounding local government allocations.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to be on alert, warning that the planned industrial action could disrupt public peace if not properly managed.
The APC’s position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, who described the proposed strike and picketing as illegal and counterproductive.
The NLC, led by its Osun State Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, had announced plans to commence a sympathy strike on November 8, scheduled to end at midnight on November 11, 2026, followed by peaceful picketing of UBA branches across the state from November 12.
The labour union had also indicated that mobilisation was ongoing in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other South-West councils to ensure compliance with the industrial action.
However, the APC faulted the planned action, arguing that disagreements over local government allocations and administration should be addressed through appropriate legal and institutional channels rather than industrial confrontation.
The party urged the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to monitor developments and take necessary measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
It warned that anyone found responsible for violence or disruption of public peace during the planned action should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The APC further maintained that UBA should be allowed to operate without undue political pressure, insisting that the bank must conduct its business in line with lawful directives and applicable financial regulations.
While acknowledging the responsibility of organised labour to protect workers’ salaries, pensions and allowances, the party accused the NLC leadership of failing to adequately consider the legal questions surrounding the leadership of the local government councils in the state.
It also accused the labour movement of disregarding the interests of elected APC chairmen and councillors allegedly reinstated to office, arguing that their political affiliation should not be a basis for denying them their rights.
The party described the NLC’s position as partisan, alleging that the planned strike was designed to influence public perception against those currently occupying local government offices in Osun.
It further linked the dispute to local government autonomy, saying President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced measures aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and bringing development closer to the people.
According to the APC, funds accruing to local government councils from the Federation Account belong to the respective councils and should not be treated as the property of the state government.
The party cited the Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy, insisting that the legal principles established by the apex court should guide the resolution of the lingering allocation dispute.
It, however, questioned the justification for the proposed strike, claiming that the workers had not publicly complained about unpaid or delayed salaries, pensions, allowances or other entitlements.
The APC also argued that the labour unions had not engaged in discussions or reached any agreement with the local government authorities before announcing the planned industrial action.
The party consequently appealed to the NLC National Secretariat to intervene and ensure that the Osun State chapter did not allow partisan considerations to undermine its responsibility to protect workers’ interests.
It urged the labour leadership to approach the crisis with impartiality, respect for the rule of law and a commitment to workers’ welfare.
