The National President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, has described Local Council autonomy as one of the critical ways to curtail the lingering problem of insecurity across the country.

Olatunji, who stated this yesterday, at the 7th Quadrennial State Delegates conference held at Shangalinku Hotel Birnin Kebbi, said all the local councils are now porous because most of the workers have abandoned their offices, leaving the councils as hideout for the criminals.

Represented by the National Secretary, Comrade Issa Gambo, Olatunji said NULGE would continue to work hard to ensure that the welfare of the staff will not be undermined.

He called on the Federal Government to do everything possible to rebuild affected local council secretariats destroyed by bandits, as well as to offer support to make them habitable for workers, adding that related authorities should add their voices to the issue of local councils’ autonomy.

Olatunji commended the Kebbi State NULGE for their laudable achievements in their four years in office, thanking the state government for supporting the council workers, especially the prompt payment of salaries, pension and gratuities.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Hassan Shala also expressed appreciation for the support given by the executive, assuring them of more support from the state government.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Yeldu, Shala commended the state NULGE for their role towards supporting their members, particularly in ensuring upfront monthly payment of salaries and allowances.

In his remarks, the returning State President, Comrade Farouk Abubakar Sadiq assured workers and members of NULGE of more developmental projects and commitment towards promoting the union into a greater high.