The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and several other labour unions in Akwa Ibom have withdrawn from the protest and strike action earlier declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for September 15, 2025.

Among those distancing themselves from the action are some civil service unions, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Forum of Retired Primary School Teachers.

In a joint statement, NULGE State Chairman, Comrade Anestina Iweh, and State Secretary, Comrade Ofunne Christopher Chidi, described the NLC’s planned protest as a “personal vendetta.”

They commended Governor Umo Eno for clearing gratuity arrears from 2014 to 2018, paying pensions promptly, settling leave grants, and paying promotion arrears, noting that “with these strides, NULGE sees no justification to participate in the protest.”

The union reaffirmed Its support, pledging “continued solidarity with the governor’s administration.”

Similarly, NUP declared its withdrawal, explaining that the N32,000 pension increase being demanded by the NLC had already been discussed with the Head of Service on August 26, 2025. “The implementation date is not yet due. We therefore direct our members not to join the protest,” NUP stated.

Also distancing himself, Sir Jeremiah Efe, a senior accountant in the state service, issued a letter dissociating himself from the action, stressing his loyalty to the government as he prepares for retirement.

The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), after an emergency meeting on September 10, also opted out of the protest. In a communiqué signed by its chairman, Comrade Etido Udo, and secretary, Comrade Kingsley B. Ekong, JPSNC urged dialogue instead of confrontation, insisting “it’s better to jaw-jaw than war-war in resolving outstanding issues.”

On Passion 94.5FM, the governor’s Special Adviser on Labour Relations, Sir Udo Kierian, insisted the matter had been resolved and said no union had reason to proceed with a protest.

Efforts to reach the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, were unsuccessful as his lines remained unavailable. (The Nation)

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