By Chinwendu Uzoatu
Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra State chapter, on Thursday, 18th September, paid a solidarity visit to Anambra State Local Government Service Commission (ASLGSC), Awka.
It was agog as the group, led by NULGE President, Comrade Chuddy Orakwue, arrived in a very happy mood, with musical instruments and dancing.
The NULGE President explained that they embarked on the visit to condemn the action of a fraction of NULGE, who went to the Light House, the previous day, to condemn the activities of the chairman.
He said: “We are here to pay a solidarity visit to the Chairman of the Commission and his board members, to support him for his transformation agenda. We are not part of what happened in the Light House, yesterday. We are obedient to the policies and rules of the Commission.”
He described the action at the Light House, where they called for the sack of the Commission’s Chairman and called him names, as infamous and shameful; as well as disassociated NULGE Anambra State, from such campaign.
He further extolled the Commission’s boss and promised him of their continuous support and also to partner with the Commission’s Solution Vanguard Movement, for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for second tenure.
However, concerning the other group that went to the Light House, the NULGE President explained that court has settled the case, but they refused to obey the judgement.
Orakwue also reported that before embarking on the solidarity visit to the Commission, they had earlier gone to the Light House to thank the Governor.
The Commission’s Chairman, Barr. Vincent Ifeanyichukwu Ezeaka, in his response, thanked them for the visit, but frowned at the time wasted in the demonstrations.
“It was a waste to the state and nation”, he said, and continued by saying that it is not good for them to leave their duty positions to be on the street.
Concerning the protesters, the Chairman stated that he has forgiven them, just as the prodigal son in the Bible, as they are his workers.
He also stated: “Since I came here, I set up a committee to unite two of you, but the other group faltered. Let me assure you once more, my mission is to unify the workers into one union. Whatever the state government asks us to do, we do. I feel very passionate of what is happening.”
He stated clearly that the state government cannot tolerate splitter unions and also assured that he will always stamp out corrupt practices in the system, and nothing will stop him in actualizing the mandate of corrupt-free local government, in accordance with the Solution Agenda of the Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo-led administration.
On his own part, the NULGE Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ifeanyi Nworah had these to say: “Our solidarity visit to the Chairman is in defence of some allegations levelled against him, which are malicious, frivolous and unfounded without proof. We are here to thank him for bringing professionalism in terms of reforms and innovations; to thank him too for convening the Solution Vanguard, which is a platform for re-election of Governor Soludo for second tenure.”
He further urged the government to disregard the allegations leveled against the Chairman.
