By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Joint Labour Movement comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), has rejected allegations of widespread ghost workers in the state public service.
They described claims by an audit firm, Sally Tibbot, on its report as reckless, defamatory, and unprofessional.
In a joint statement, organised labour expressed “grave concern and strong indignation” over accusations made by Sally Tibbot Consulting, the firm engaged to conduct the staff audit, accusing it of resorting to media propaganda and public blackmail instead of adhering to professional standards.
Alleged Breach of Professional Ethics.
The labour leaders argued that an audit firm is bound by principles of objectivity, confidentiality, and due process, insisting that public commentary on an ongoing audit undermines professional integrity.
They also raised ethical concerns over reports suggesting that the consultant’s remuneration might be linked to the number of ghost workers identified, saying such an arrangement would conflict with transparency and accountability standards.
According to the unions, the consultant was invited by a joint government-labour committee to defend its figures but allegedly failed to appear, a development they said casts doubt on the credibility of the claims.
Constitutional and Legal Concerns
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The movement further argued that branding workers as ghost employees without due process violates several constitutional provisions, including the right to fair hearing and protection of dignity.
They warned that any attempt to remove workers from payroll based on what they described as a “questionable audit methodology” would contravene labour laws and be resisted through lawful means.
Condemnation of Politicisation
Organised labour also accused the consulting firm of politicising the audit by making frequent media appearances, stressing that professional firms must remain neutral and not act as political actors.
They described the development as dangerous, particularly amid heightened political tensions, and urged the public to disregard what they termed sensational claims.
The unions reaffirmed their support for the Osun State Government’s decision to invite anti-corruption agencies — including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — to conduct an independent forensic review of the audit.
They also warned that organised labour would pursue legal action to protect any worker unjustly defamed or removed from payroll.
Labour leaders vowed not to allow workers to be “ridiculed or criminalised without due process,” warning that they would deploy all lawful industrial and legal mechanisms to defend members if harassment continues.
They added that the staff audit exercise is still ongoing, with the final batch of affected workers and pensioners expected to undergo verification through their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
“The dignity of labour is not negotiable. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement concluded.
