By Ikemefuna Asika
The Chudi Orakwue – led executive of National Union Of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has officially taken over the NULGE State Secretariat located at the business district of Anambra State capital, Awka.
Comrade Orakwue in company of ten other members of the executive committee and branch chairmen of various Local government chapters, stated that the crises that bedeviled the union had come to an end.
He disclosed that the crises which engulfed the union ended through a court judgement on the 29th of September, 2022 “but due to some unforeseen circumstances we couldn’t take over until today, the appointed time” he said.
He maintained that it was some elements within the government due to pecuniary interests that refused to obey the judgement of a competent court that handled the matter.
“Even the government is not aware of their actions, they just connived with a purported State NULGE president”.
Comrade Orakwue maintained that NULGE is one and extended his hand off fellowship to every member of the Union.
He disclosed that they tend to move the Union forward for better of the workers and as soon as they settle down, they will implement their manifesto during the election which bothers on the welfare of the local government workers.
He thanked the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo who he hoped as a labour friendly governor, would implement the new minimum wage which has been passed into law.
He also extended their gratitude to the Chairman of Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, Vin Ezeaka and his team for the way they are piloting the of the system, bringing in efficiency and productivity in the system. He assured that they will partner with the Commission to make the local governments more efficient.
Comrade Orakwue stated that government is aware of their take over of the secretariat because the attorney general of the State has written legal opinion based on the judgement of the court that handled the matter.
In his reaction, Anambra State Local Government Service Commission Chairman, Vin Ezeaka stated there were two factions NULGE leadership in the State but recently “we dismissed the president of one the factions for certificate racketeering”.
He stated that the Commission has been trying to resolve the crises which is not good for the system and the workers, ” I know they have taken over because we have been working and cooperating with them because they are workers the system and need to be organized”.
The executives that accompanied State NULGE President, Comrade Chudi Orakwue included Deputy President – Mark Kenechi Ezeibe, Treasurer – Victor-Mary Anuna, PRO – Prince Ifeanyi Nworah and Welfare Officer – Dorothy Ibenezi. Others include 1st Auditor – Nwalote Patrick, 2nd Auditor – Ifeanyi Okam, 1st Trustee – Hillary Okoye, 2nd Trustee – Anthony Okoli, Woman Leader – Mrs. Chinyere Onyeagbado, Youth Leader – Odife Alagu and members of various chapters from local government offices.
