Mimiko sues for peace over planned take over of councils by dissolved LG bosses… as NULGE orders workers to stay at home

Following the threat of breach to peace in Ondo State occasioned by the action of former local government council chairmen who have vowed to resume office on Monday, the State Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has appealed to the people of State not to resort to violence over the matter.

Dr Mimiko’s appeal is coming just as the State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) called on workers of local government councils in the State to stay away from their offices due to the anticipated violence that might likely follow the planned take over of the councils by the erstwhile council bosses.

Dr. Mimiko in a release personally signed by him disclosed that due to the freezing of all government accounts, an action which he noted did not affect the payment of salaries and essential services and the dissolution of government at the local government level, former chairmen affected by the dissolution have taken the Governor and Attorney-General to court.

While describing this development as a welcome one, the Governor stated his administration subscribes to the principle that the law courts must be allowed to adjudicate in all areas of disagreement on issues of law and legality saying that it thus behoves on everybody to abide by the decisions of the law courts.

His words: “I, therefore, want to appeal to all stakeholders in the matter to resist the temptation to take laws into their hands and resort to self help and violence. The development for which we yearn in this State cannot take place in an atmosphere of violence and disorder. On our part, we shall continue to take all necessary steps to prevent and arrest the breakdown of law and order.”

On his part, he assured the people of the State that he would look into all areas of dispute and proffer solutions to them as soon he settles down and put in place structures of governance.

“I earnestly plead with you to shun all forms of violence. Let us continue to be our brothers’ keepers; there is work to be done. Let us roll our sleeves. We must be ready to work to raise ourselves out of the clutches of poverty and hopelessness. We will continue to provide the required leadership. We will be fair to all,” Mimiko pleaded.

Meanwhile, the NULGE Caretaker Committee Chairman in the State, Comrade Joshua Maigida Irapakob in a release issued in Akure on Sunday noted that Information reaching the union had it that there are plans by some erstwhile political functionaries of local government councils to invade the 18 local government councils in Ondo State with arms and ammunitions with effect from Monday, March 16 th, 2009.

According to him, in the light of this, and to protect the lives of members of our Union , “all local government workers are hereby advised to stay at home in their own interest until otherwise directed by the Union . Workers are to note that the Ondo State government has been notified of this development by the Union ; therefore, all Directors of Local Government Administration, who are our members, should ensure the safety of local government properties in their care.”

Irapakob enjoined all branch chairmen of NULGE in the State to ensure strict compliance to the directive.