In anticipation of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) delegates’ conference set for September 17, 2024, in Plateau State, a pro-Arandong faction has issued a warning to individuals attempting to undermine the re-election campaign of Comrade Makwin Yohanna Arandong, the current state president of the union.
The group, identified as “Tazarce Solidarity,” voiced their concerns during a press conference in Jos on Monday.
This warning comes in the wake of allegations from a rival faction led by Comrade Izere Maxwell Igyem, which accused Arandong of manipulating the election process and mismanaging financial resources.
The faction recently organized a protest, demanding an investigation into the incumbent president’s conduct.
In response, Comrade Hillary Shown, Director General of the Arandong Campaign Organization, dismissed these allegations as unfounded and a strategic move to damage Arandong’s reputation.
He stated, “We are here to set the records straight. It is funny that those who water the flowers of hypocrisy are the ones casting aspersions on others, despite their own questionable actions.” “Why should any honest and right-thinking members of our Union want to condemn the screening of contestants in an election? This act alone signals bad intentions from Comrade Igyem and his unknown group, as well as the candidates they are wanting to shield from being screened for the forthcoming election, and this portends great danger to our Union.
“NULGE Plateau State cannot be on autopilot because of their selfish interest and fears of losing election. The powers to conduct NULGE branch executives elections or even extend their tenure is vested on the State Executive Council in line with the dictate of the Union’s 2024 constitution as amended.”
Addressing the allegations of financial misappropriation, specifically regarding workers’ contributions to the Federal Housing Mortgage Bank (FHMB), Shown explained that the deductions were in line with union policy.
“From our findings, FHMB deducts 2.5% of staff monthly basic salary, and it is evident that most staff have benefitted from this same Bank loan scheme based on their contributions. The accusations against Comrade Arandong regarding this issue are misguided and misinformed.”
Shown also condemned the divisive tactics used by the rival faction, urging them to respect the union’s processes.
“Enough is enough regarding some unguided statements from him.It is critical for the stability of our union that such divisive rhetoric stops immediately, and all members adhere to the established rules and regulations”
“We condemn the false accusations against Comrade Arandong and demand an apology from Comrade Igyem and his group. The baseless allegations aimed at disrupting the union’s peace and unity will not be tolerated.” he emphasized.