Our reporter
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Edo State Government and the police, demanding the immediate cessation of their alleged interference in the activities of the NLC in the State.
The NEC condemned what it described as a forceful invasion and ransacking of the Edo NLC State Council Secretariat, allegedly orchestrated by the police in collaboration with Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In a communiqué issued at a meeting held on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, in Owerri, Imo State, NEC reiterated its recognition of Comrade Odion Olaye as the legitimate Chairman of the NLC in Edo State.
The communiqué, signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, gave the police and Edo State Government a deadline of 14 working days, until 8 January 2025, to vacate the secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties, and desist from further interference in the affairs of the Congress.
Failure to comply, the NEC warned, would compel the Congress to implement “unprecedented measures” to defend workers’ rights and trade union freedoms.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, Comrade Olaye decried the alleged invasion, which he described as an affront to the democratic structure of the NLC in the state. He stated that he was duly elected as chairman on 7 March 2023, with his tenure running until 6 March 2027.
Olaye presented a letter signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, titled: “Addressing Unauthorised Activities by Some Affiliate Union Members in Edo State”, which rebuked attempts by certain individuals to impose themselves as new officers of the Congress. The letter emphasised that such actions were both unconstitutional and an act of indiscipline.
Similarly, a letter from the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) addressed to Comrade Joman Bernard—who has allegedly been parading himself as the new chairman of Edo NLC—also surfaced during the briefing.
The letter, signed by Comrade Alo Lawrence, criticised Bernard’s actions as “unconstitutional, anti-union, and an embarrassment to the labour movement.” AUPCTRE directed Bernard to cease his activities immediately.
The NLC NEC and its affiliate unions have called for all members to resist any unauthorised takeover attempts and to uphold the constitution of the Congress. Investigations into the identities and motives of those involved in the alleged crisis are on-going.
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