By Rofiat Abdullahi
Security operatives have been deployed across local government secretariats in Osun State as factional council workers prepare to resume duties on Monday, following an eight-month industrial action.
The resumption comes amid ongoing leadership tussles between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of the councils.
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had declared the strike on February 17, after the Court of Appeal reinstated APC council chairmen, a decision the PDP strongly opposed.
Tensions heightened recently when the Federal Government reportedly recognised the reinstated APC executives by releasing six months of previously withheld allocations into their accounts.
In response, the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers announced plans to return to work today, sparking fears of confrontation among rival groups.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed that officers have been deployed to all local government areas across the state.
“Security has been beefed up in all councils to maintain law and order,” he said.
