Tensions Rise In Osun State As NULGE Alleged FG Of Misappropriating Local Government Funds Amid Political Turmoil
By Oludare Joshua
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Osun State has expressed grave concerns over what it termed an “unprecedented abuse of power” by federal officials in the disbursement of local government allocations. During a press conference in Osogbo on Sunday, NULGE President Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe alleged that the Minister of Finance, Accountant-General, and Attorney-General of the Federation unlawfully transferred local government allocations for March to September 2025 into accounts controlled by dismissed All Progressives Congress (APC) officials.
Dr. Ogungbangbe stated, “We have credible information that these federal officials have diverted allocations into illegitimate accounts held by court-sacked APC chairmen and councilors. This alarming development raises serious concerns about the integrity of public administration in Nigeria.”
He further detailed that these controversial accounts were set up with United Bank for Africa (UBA) without adhering to established procedures, violating both constitutional mandates and court directives. The Federal High Court had previously ordered all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the disbursement of these funds, an order acknowledged by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
NULGE criticized the federal authorities for seemingly disregarding judicial authority and called for respect for the courts. They emphasized that the ongoing judicial processes must be honored to prevent a breakdown of the rule of law.
In response, the Osun State chapter of the APC challenged NULGE’s claims, asserting that allocations were disbursed to legitimate local government accounts, not the accounts of individual APC members. Party spokesperson Chief Kola Olabisi accused NULGE of political bias and opportunism, suggesting they were in league with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP weighed in by demanding the APC disclose the accounts into which local government allocations were paid, emphasizing transparency and accountability. They asserted that statutory officers were unaware of any payments, raising suspicions about the handling of these funds.
Both NULGE and the PDP called on the state government to maintain peace in light of escalating tensions, urging residents not to succumb to provocation that could destabilize the state. The situation in Osun State is developing, with significant implications for local governance and political dynamics at play.
