The crisis rocking the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has deepened, with the indefinite suspension of the Comrade Ochei Mike Onyebuchi–led executive of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN).
Announcing the decision after a zonal executive meeting in Benin City, the union’s Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Emeka Nkwoala, said the Ochei-led team was axed for bringing the union into disrepute.
He recalled that NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, had invited NUTGTWN to nominate a member into the five-man caretaker committee headed by Prof Monday Igbafen following the dissolution of the former Edo NLC exco. Ochei, who was consulted and willingly accepted the nomination, was sworn into the committee, only for the union to be embarrassed by his sudden resignation last weekend.
“We read of his resignation on social media. He didn’t inform the union of his intention to step down even though he was briefed and consented to the assignment,” Nkwoala told journalists.
The deputy general secretary said Ochei’s actions dragged the union’s name into controversy, particularly as he admitted during the meeting that he resigned under pressure, believing the caretaker committee was working against the Edo State Government.
Nkwoala disclosed that the national body, which once produced former NLC president Senator Adams Oshiomhole, resolved during a virtual meeting on 15 September to dissolve the Edo exco. However, after pleas from local members, the body settled for an indefinite suspension.
“The Edo State chapter of the union has been suspended until further notice. They cannot represent the union in any capacity within Edo or anywhere in Nigeria,” Nkwoala declared.
The decision marks another twist in the escalating crisis within Edo NLC, leaving the state chapter of the textile union effectively paralysed.
