The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra State chapter, has described the allegations against Chief Vin Ezeaka, Chairman, State Local Government Service Commission, as baseless and the handiwork of disgruntled unionists.
Mr Chuddy Orakwue, NULGE state President spoke to newsmen in Awka on Friday.
Orakwue said the claims that Ezeaka collected inducements for recruitment, promotion and posting of workers were false.
He noted that the allegations were being pushed by union members who lost out in the leadership tussle.
According to him, the disgruntled group are attempting to undermine the rule of law.
The group had earlier issued a one-week ultimatum to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to sack the Commission Chairman.
Orakwue however, maintained that Ezeaka’s only offence was his insistence that the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) delivered in 2019 should be respected.
He accused past NULGE leaders of refusing to obey the ruling.
According to him, they allegedly connived with some officials to siphon union funds using fraudulent court orders.
He also faulted the role of the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
According to him, NLC chairman colluded with disgruntled NULGE members to resist lawful directives.
Orakwue commended Gov. Soludo for upholding law and order, a major pillar of his administration.
He said the Governor recognised him and his executive as the authentic leadership of NULGE in Anambra.
“The allegations against the Commission Chairman are unfounded.
“He only insisted on implementing the government’s position based on valid court judgment,” Orakwue said.
Orakwue recalled that a government committee chaired by the Chief of Staff and comprising of Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Special Adviser on Local Government.
He said the committed which also included Attorney-General, Accountant-General and the Commission Chairman, thoroughly investigated the matter.
According to him, the committee’s report of May 16 reaffirmed the NICN judgment of Sept. 29, 2022.
He said the report directed that his leadership be recognised and accorded full privileges.
“Unfortunately, some elements opposed to this position
“Then even enlisted the NLC in Anambra to frustrate compliance and pressure the Head of Service to reverse government’s decision,” he added.
Orakwue assured Gov. Soludo of the continued support and solidarity of local government workers across the state.
