From Moshood Karim
The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently denied claims alleging the cancellation of the State’s May Day celebration. The NLC described the purported statement as an attempt to destabilise the cordial relationship between the Congress and the Edo State government, and categorically declared it “null and void.”
In a statement made available to Uptown Press Nigeria, the State leadership of the Edo NLC, represented by the Chairman, Bernard Joman Egwekhida and Acting Secretary Comrade Ese Best Idahosa, clarified that there had been no such cancellation and affirmed that the May Day celebration will proceed as planned on 1st May 2025 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The Edo NLC leaders strongly rejected the fabricated claims, calling them a deliberate effort to create discord. “The attention of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Edo State council, has been drawn to a deliberately falsified and misleading statement aimed at disrupting the peaceful relationship between the NLC, Edo State Council, and the State government,” the statement read.
It further clarified that no factionalisation currently exists within the State council. It asserted that the former leadership under Comrade Odion Olaye had been democratically and unanimously removed, and there were no leadership disputes within the NLC in Edo State. The statement also condemned attempts to drag the Edo State government into internal NLC affairs, calling such actions “senseless” and in violation of the Congress’s rules and regulations.
“We stand undeterred, resolute, indefatigable, and relentless in defending the Constitution of our great Congress and protecting the integrity of the Labour Movement from unscrupulous elements,” the NLC leaders stated.
The statement went on to emphasise the NLC’s total support for the administration of Governor Okpebholo, reaffirming that the State government has not interfered in the internal matters of the NLC. “We cannot be blackmailed, we are resilient and strong in our resolve to take the Labour Movement to the next level,” the NLC declared.
The Edo NLC called on all affiliated unions in Edo State to mobilise and ensure a grand celebration on May Day, with no disruptions or issues anticipated. “We use this medium to once again invite all affiliated unions to mobilise and be at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, on 1st May 2025, for a grand Workers’ Day celebration,” the statement concluded.
However, a statement signed by the Deputy General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ismail Bello clarified that,
“Our earlier directive (Ref: 22nd April 2025) remains valid. Affiliates in Edo State are to commemorate the 2025 May Day independently in their respective union offices, in line with Congress’s efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state council.
“The NLC has no official position known as “Acting State Secretary”. The individual behind this circular is an impostor, and his motives are highly questionable. We urge workers and the public to disregard this fraudulent document. He clearly neither works for the NLC nor for the workers.
“We reiterate that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is not known in any of our statutes or records as the Chairman of NLC in Edo state. When there is a change in the components of NLC’s Edo state council leadership, members of the public and our social partners will be informed accordingly.
“It should be noted that May Day is a workers’ celebration, not a government event. No worker is under any compulsion to attend any government-organized parade. Threats of sanctions for non-attendance are null, void, and a blatant unacceptable intimidation. tactic.
“Trade unions are independent organizations that function in line with the dictates of their rules, free from any external interference. We will take all measures to defend our independence and will stand firmly with the workers of Edo State unconditionally.
“NLC reaffirms its commitment to resolving the Edo State Council crisis and ensuring a united, worker-centric celebration of May Day.”
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
