NULGE Plateau State Branch in Crisis
All is not well with the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Plateau state Chapter as the Union enmeshed in crisis, Massive Corruption and flagrant violation of the Union’s Constitution ahead of the their Election that’s drawing nearer.
These revelations were made in Jos, by the Members of the Union, during a world press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists,(NUJ) State Secretariat,Jos.
They accused the State President and His EXCO for Unilaterally shifting the Branch elections to take place after the state Delegates Conference against the normal Tradition and a clear contravention of the agreed- Upon Reconciliation terms.
Reading the Text, a financial member of the Union and Coordinator for Comrade Ezekiel Musa Yelwa Campaign organization, Comrade Maxwell Izere, said the leaders have violated the constitution by submitting delegates for for the SDC without a congress meeting or Democratic selection that was done by the branch Chairmen under the guidance of the incumbent President.
The non compliance with the Union’s governing document set a dangerous precedent for the future elections.
Izere further reveal the unconditional Screening of candidates and said is not part of the Union’s laws. The procedure adopted is not included in the Electoral guidelines.
This has never happened during any NULGE Election in the history of Plateau state.
According to him It is a witch hunt designed to give the incumbent President an unfair advantage.
The disqualification of Comrade Ezekiel Musa Yelwa on the same bases and other candidates who were deemed qualified by the screening committee set up by the said President and his team who are also contestants.
They allege a massive fraud by the leaders in respect to their Mortgage bank deductions,the act is hindering access to loans and perpetuating financial uncertainty.
Said their calculations reveal that approximately if 500 is deducted from 10,000 members within 12 months times in 3 years, will amount to 180 million Naira and local Government staff in the state are more than 15000 .
They made the following demands or will explore legal means to restore the loss glory of the Union.
That branch elections must be conducted before the state Delegates Conference,in line with the Constitution and tradition.
The State Leadership must not honor the undemocratic selection of delegates,upholding the principles of democracy and fairness.
Only branch Chairmen are automatic delegates.
They reject any form of unconditional Screening, which a mount to witch hunt.
NULGE members must be clarified on the status of their federal mortgage bank accounts and access to loans,ensuring transparency and accountability in their Union’s financial dealings.
They describe the act of their leaders as a betrayal of trust and threat to the democratic fabrics of the union.if such violations allowed,will set a dangerous precedent.
They reiterated their positions to contest the violation of the constitution through all the available legal channels and also create awareness among their members.
The members flank their coordinator and displayed different placards with different inscriptions.
