The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has vowed to resist any attempt by governors to scuttle the passage of the newly passed Local Government Autonomy Bill at the state levels after it has been passed by the National Assembly.
The National Assembly had on Tuesday approved proposed amendments to the 1999 constitution to grant financial autonomy to state legislatures, judiciary and the 774 local governments in the country.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, the President of NULGE, Akeem Olatunji, said the labour movement got credible intelligence that governors were making frantic efforts to ensure that the needed concurrence on passage of the bill at the state houses of assembly did not succeed.
He said the 36 governors under the aegis of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, were hell-bent on destroying the third tier of government, a situation he said had caused insecurity at the grassroots.
“Let’s also inform him (Fayemi) that we are aware he’s exiting the office in the next seven months. He should be patriotic enough and stand with the Nigerian people. He should not use his opportunity to destroy this nation. History will remember him for his role.
“We want to tell Ekiti people to caution Governor Fayemi before it is too late. The NULGE and labour movement will not tolerate any opposition against the passage of this bill at the state level because it is uncalled for.”
Olatunji said market women, youths, artisans, and other unions were already being mobilised to occupy all the 36 houses of assembly and remain there till the bill gets approvals of all state lawmakers.
