Cripple leads NULGE protest in Edo State

Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo state chapter yesterday continued its protest over unpaid differential salaries arrears, spanning  three and nine months across 16 Local Government chairmen in the state.

A cripple who led the aggrieved workers was wheeled across major streets in Benin throughout the peaceful protest.
The protest also grounded business activities for hours in Benin City.

The appearance of the Crippled believed to be a staff of one of the Local Government Councils, however drew the anger of some sympathetic commuters and pedestrians at the King square in the state capital who also matched along with them in solidarity.

The workers, who were armed with "offensive placards", marched round the King Square to register their displeasure five days after their maiden protest was held.

The aggrieved workers, who sang dirges in unism demanding their salary arrears, were clad in black attire, while officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) controlled traffic which was at a standstill.

State President of NULGE, Comrade Edward-Young Ilemikhena who spoke on behalf of the workers, accused the state government of insensitivity for not meeting its financial obligations to the local government councils who they claimed was painting a helpless picture since the face-off begun.

Ilemikhena reiterated NULGE decision to sustain the protest pending when their demands are meant by their employers.

He said hence help was no longer within reach by their attention to fellow Comrade, Mr. Lucky James - Edo state Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs he quoted as saying that they should direct their attention to the Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in the state.