BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo State Chapter, has suspended its indefinite strike over nonpayment of Staff salaries and use of casual workers by local government councils.
The 18 local government councils in Edo State had embarked on indefinite strike on February 2 to protest nonpayment of staff salaries.
Mr. Young Ilenikhena, NULGE Chairman in the state, told journalists yesterday in Benin City that the strike was suspended due to pleas from Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
He, however warned that if the arrears of salaries were not paid by the end of March, the union would have no choice than proceed with the strike.
The Chief Press Secretary of Oredo Local Government Council, Mr. Edosa Okunbo told newsmen that the circular suspending the strike was received at the council yesterday morning.
He described the suspension of the strike as ‘a welcome development,’ and expressed hope that activities at the council would commence fully on Monday next week.
Edosa however said the council owed its workers only January salary
He added that if not for the strike the council would have paid the staff salaries, saying that the leadership of the council ‘does not joke with staff salaries.’
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Lucky James attributed the inability of local government councils to pay staff salaries to reduction in federal allocation to the state.
