Activities in local government secretariats, public schools, primary health care centres and other government offices in Osun State came to a standstill on Monday.
The development is due to a sympathy strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Osun State Council over the withheld local government funds.
DAILY POST had reported that the Osun NLC had in a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Christopher Arapasopo and secretary, Victor Amusan on Sunday called for a three-day sympathy strike in solidarity with the local government councils in the state and members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun State chapter.
On a visit to Osogbo and Olorunda local government secretariats, DAILY POST observed that workers were milling around, discussing in groups.
A chat with some of the workers revealed that they were complying with the directives of the NLC and NULGE.
Bashiru Olalekan, speaking with DAILY POST, said he had no choice but to down tool.
"We got a circular from NULGE and a directive from NLC to begin strike today for three days. We are obeying the call, but we just cannot seat at home doing nothing. That is why you see us around," he said.
Olalekan also pleaded with the Federal Government to do all in its power to resolve the impasse.
Another staff, Catherine Amusan, agreed with the organised labour for embarking on the sympathy strike.
She added that attention needed to be called to the plight of local government administration in the state.
According to her, "Can't you see that local government administration is moribund in Osun State? Before that problem, we were managing the system but with the withholding of money meant for local government administration by the Federal Government, development in the grassroots has stalled. You can see for yourself. Schools are closed, primary healthcare centres are closed and all others. It is that serious."
Meanwhile, all public primary and secondary schools in the state have been shut down.
Students of public schools were also seen at home and during a visit to public schools within the state capital Osogbo, it was observed that the gates were locked and the compounds were empty.
Schools visited included School of Science, Osogbo Grammar School, Saint Charles Grammar School, Saint James Grammar School, Baptist High School, Christ African School, Laro Grammar School, Islahudeen High School and others.
Strike: Activities at standstill in Osun public schools, LG secretariats