By Okechukwu Onuegbu
There was a wild jubilation at Awka, Anambra State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), as Comrade Nicholas Aromeh assumed office as Acting President, on Thursday.
Aromeh, who was immediate past chapter Deputy President of NULGE was appointed by the National Executive Council (NEC) of NULGE, in a letter dated July 24th, 2024, following the exit of Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe from the service of Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, the employer.
The appointment letter signed by NULGE Secretary General, Comrade Gambo Isiah, among other things, clarified that it took immediate effect "and you are
to summon emergency State Executive Council (SEC) on or before Friday 26 July, 2024 to brief them on the state of affairs and development that happened in the Anambra State NULGE. Finally, you are to keep the National Secretariat abreast of further development in the Union," the statement stated."
Exited local government workers at the meeting summoned by the Acting President, Aromeh as instructed by the national, pledged unalloyed support and total allegiance to his administration, noting that they would not hesitate to contribute towards its success.
The union also disowned Comrade Chuddy Orakwue, who had in the previous day, claimed that he was assuming office, and rather noted that there was no faction in NULGE from the National to zonal, down to State levels and would never be for any reason.
Aromeh, while addressing the workers, recalled how Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe led executive which himself was part of, won the election after defeating their respective opponents, wondering how those who did not participate on the election would come out through the back doors to assume leadership.
He also acknowledged the doggedness of the former President, noting that he was ready to relinquish power anytime he returns but would never allow the "enemies or opportunists" to take away the leadership of the union by force.
"I have come to assure you that we are still in charge. We were duly elected and will surely complete our tenure. So let no one disturb or trouble you. You have noting to fear because the leadership of NULGE is intact. We have constitution and we are following the constitutional provisions. The national leadership of NULGE is solidly behind us and had certified me to take over.
"We appreciate the the doggedness of Adigwe led administration. He was a good fighter, action man and steadfast. It is unfortunate that what happened had happened but we must forge ahead pending when the issues will be resolved amicably. We will not allow the enemies and opportunists to come and takeover our leadership positions," he stated.
The union at the event equally pledged their loyalty to their employer, Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, noting that they had no issue with them and would never have any because of their existing cordial relationship.
They also queried authenticity of a viral message that accused the commission of corruption, describing it as frivolous because according to them, the said report was neither signed nor authorised by any officer of the union, even as the new President has contacted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman to equally ascertain the source of the petition during which he was told that it was sent in by unknown person.
According to them, NULGE knew the best approach and strategies to be adopted while seeking attention and actions from their employer for whatever reason, and under the current administration, the union would rather beef up action towards ensuring that welfare of members, including work ethics improved so as to impact positively on the populace.
Aromeh further assured local government workers that his office would run an open door policy, as well as work towards reuniting members to forge common goals as there were no faction in the union.
He also vowed to reunite and restrategise towards ensuring that the welfare of members were taken care of by the government.
The taken over event was attended by many local government staff and NULGE executive from across the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State.