The crisis rocking the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been laid to rest as the National Executive Council of the NLC affirmed Comrade Odion Olaye as the authentic chairman of the state.
Briefing newsmen in Benin after returning from the NEC meeting, Odion Olaye presented copies of the resolution of the NEC held in Owerri, Imo State, which confirmed his position as the duly elected chairman of NLC Edo State.
Olaye, who quoted from a communique signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, president and secretary of NLC, respectively said NEC resolved to give the Edo State Government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises.
He added that NEC condemned strongly those fueling crises in the state, particularly the invasion and ransacking of NLC Edo State secretariat.
He posited that NEC has equally asked all those who invaded the NLC Edo State secretariat to return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities.
Ajaero in the communique said
“The Invasion and Ransacking of NLC Edo state Council Secretariat The NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat.
“This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.
” Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights. “
The NLC president added that NEC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace, saying, “It has come to our attention that some officers of affiliate unions in Edo State are parading themselves as new officers of Congress. This behavior constitutes a clear act of indiscipline and crude brigandage.
Ajaero urged all affiliate unions to ensure that none of their members were involved in such an affront against the congress.
Another letter signed by the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical And Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) Head of Department, Alo Lawrence cautioned those fueling crisis in Edo NLC to desist forthwith.