Plateau NULGE election rock with crisis as group accuse president, Arandong of manipulation ….sequence of election is inline with union constitution- president 

By Agada Daniel,Jos

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Plateau State chapter is rocked by crisis as the incumbent president of the Union, Comrade Makwin Arandong is accused of manipulating the election processes.

Our correspondent reports that the elections of the Union is slated for 17th September, 2024.

Some of the aggrieved members of the Union in the State led by Comrade Izere Maxwell Igyem on Friday at a press conference in Jos noted that incumbent president is bent of surprising the voice of the majority by changing delegates list to perfect their selfish interest.

“They have failed to set aside their manipulated selection of delegates, denying departments a democratic voice in the selection process.

“They have violated the constitution by submitting delegates for the State Delegates Conference (SDC) without a Congress meeting or democratic section that was done by the branch chairmen under the guidance of the incumbent president.” They noted 

The aggrieved members insisted that they are committed to contest the violation through available legal means in other to safeguard the democratic tenet contained in the Union’s constitution.

“We pledge to contest this violation through all available legal channels, engage with fellow members to raise awareness and build support for our cause.

“Advocate for transparency and accountability in our leadership, defend the principles of inclusivity and democracy that our Union was built upon.” The stated.

Igyem further alleged of financial misappropriation by the incumbent president noting that the consequences of the violation among other issues will have far-reaching devastating impact on the Union if allowed to stand.

“They have conducted an unconstitutional screening of candidates which is not part of our Union’s constitution and was rightly not included in the Electoral guidelines given unfair advantage to the incumbent president.

“This will set a dangerous precedent, empowering a small group or individual to unilaterally dictate the course of our Union, undermining the will of the majority and silencing the voice of dedicated members”, he emphasized.

Reacting to the allegation, president of NULGE Plateau State chapter said everything in respect to sequence of election of the was done in accordance with new constitution of the Union.

“Congresses were held across the 17 local government areas of Plateau State including the 18 branches that we had. All delegates were drawn from the 17 LGAs.

“Stakeholders were sermon to Abuja and all issues were finalized at the instance of National president of NULGE”, Arandong stated.

On alleged financial misappropriation, the president described the assertion as faulty.

According to him, ” the Union usually deduct 2.5% from the basic salary of each member and remit same to the Mortgage Bank.”