The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council has bemoaned the absence of local government administration in the state, calling on parties involved to consider the negative impacts of the logjam and settle amicably.
According to the professional body, the people at the grassroots areas of the state have been at the receiving end of the political impasse that has left the council secretariats shut down since February 16, 2025.
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state had directed its members working in all local government areas of the state to withdraw their services and stay off the secretariats following crisis over the control of governance at the third tier of government by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and opposition All Progressives Congress.
Ever since, activities at the council offices have remained paralyzed as staff members refused to resume duties.
However, rising from its monthly congress held in Osogbo on Wednesday, the NUJ appealed to all stakeholders to meet and resolve the crisis, saying masses at local government areas have been suffering.
The union’s intervention was contained in a comunique issued on Thursday and signed by the NUJ chairman, Wasiu Ajadosu and secretary, Adeyemi Aboderin.
It read, “The NUJ, Osun State Council acknowledged the tension and anxiety that had gripped various communities in the wake of the leadership dispute among local government chairmen, which disrupted grassroots governance, and appealed to all stakeholders in the state to see to resolve the impasse over the control of the local government administration.
“The union noted that it is the people at the local government areas who bear the suffering, as most of the activities that used to be beneficial to them are on hold, hence documentation, generating of revenue for the development of the local have stopped.
“All the parties involved are therefore urged to consider the people and not their selfish interests, to resolve these issues permanently.
“As watchdog of society, the union reiterates its commitment to promoting peace, responsible journalism, and the dissemination of information that will unite, rather than divide the people of Osun State.”
The union also noted with dismay, the severe impact of the erratic electricity supply on the socio-economic activities of the people of the state, including the operation of small and medium-scale enterprises, health facilities, educational institutions, and the general well-being of residents.
“In view of the above, the NUJ Osun State Council passionately appealed to all relevant stakeholders — including the Federal Government, the Osun State Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) — to urgently intervene and work towards finding a lasting solution to the persistent power crisis in the state.
“The union made a case for a comprehensive review of the current distribution framework and the implementation of sustainable policies, to ensure reliable and adequate power supply to Osun State and its surrounding communities.
“Osun NUJ expressed the belief that stable electricity is crucial to economic growth, and the overall development of the state. The union therefore expressed its readiness to collaborate with stakeholders in any advocacy efforts aimed at restoring efficient and uninterrupted power supply to the region,” the communique read.