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  • NLC to Fed Govt: resolve tertiary education crisis in four weeks

    NLC to Fed Govt: resolve tertiary education crisis in four weeks

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday gave the Federal Government’s negotiating team on the 2009 agreement with universities- based unions four weeks to tidy up all discussions with the unions.

    The committee is headed by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed.

    The NLC said its organs would meet at the end of the four weeks if the negotiations were not concluded and take a nationwide action.

    It threatened to coopt all workers in the country, including all unions in order to “get to the root of all this”.

    The congress, in solidarity with its affiliate unions from the education sector, declared a “no pay, no work” stand in response to the Federal Government’s declaration of “no work, no pay” policy in response to ongoing two-week warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    The unions include ASUU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), the College of Education Staff Union (COESU), among others.

    At a meeting yesterday in Abuja, the tertiary institutions-based unions resolved to work together in their negotiations with the Federal Government.

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    During the meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero said: “The NLC, after extensive deliberation with the unions in the tertiary institutions on finding solutions to the perennial problems in that sector, decided to brief you (reporters) that we have resolved at the level of NLC to work with the unions to make sure that we are able to find a lasting solution on the problems that they have been facing all these years.

    “We have decided to establish a framework for engagement towards implementation of agreements, outstanding agreements, and towards sustainable funding of education, in line with UNESCO principles of 25 per cent, 26 per cent funding of education, and review of wage structures and allowances in the tertiary institutions, and as well as respect of trade union rights of collective bargaining.

    “On this regard, we discovered that those government officials sent to meetings go there without a mandate. Henceforth, nobody in the trade unions, either in the tertiary institutions or anywhere else, will go into any meeting with government representatives who don’t have mandates. Well, that is what is at the point of this crisis.

    “You go and finish a negotiation, you sign an agreement, and then you go back to renege. Never again. We will not condone this act. All over the world, agreements are held in very serious dimension.”

  • NLC appeals to aggrieved Edo members to embrace genuine reconciliation

    NLC appeals to aggrieved Edo members to embrace genuine reconciliation

    The caretaker committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Council, in collaboration with affiliate unions of the congress, has appealed to all aggrieved members to sheathe their swords and embrace genuine reconciliation and the virtues of comradeship to reposition the state NLC.

    The appeal was contained in a statement on Sunday, signed by Comrade (Prof.) Monday Lewis Igbafen, Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Edo State NLC, sequel to resolutions of their meeting in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The Caretaker Committee said after exhaustive deliberations, the meeting, which was attended by fourteen (14) affiliate unions of the Congress, reaffirmed its resolute commitment to the mandate given to the Caretaker Committee to restore peace and order, to pave the way for credible elections in the State NLC.

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    The statement commended the State Caretaker Committee of the NLC, Edo State, for the efforts made so far to restore the dignity, principles, ethos, and rights of the labour movement in the State, then resolved and passed a vote of absolute confidence in the Caretaker Committee.

    The Committee also appreciated the national leadership of NLC led by Comrade Joe Ajaero for the support to realise the mandate to reform NLC in Edo State.

    It lauded the national leadership of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) for the decisive, swift, and progressive decision it reached on the recent development in Edo NLC as it related to the controversial resignation of Comrade Mike Ochei from the Committee.

    The statement reads, “The meeting dispels the claim or rumour making the rounds that the Caretaker Committee is an appendage of any of the contending camps in the raging crisis in the Edo State NLC Council and also unequivocally denies the erroneous mindset that the Caretaker Committee is against the Edo State Government.

    “It assures the Edo State government of robust labour relations that will benefit the Government, employers, and employees/workers in the State.

    “It appeals to all aggrieved comrades to sheathe their swords, and embrace genuine reconciliation and the virtues of comradeship to reposition the State NLC.

    “Finally, affiliate unions of NLC at the meeting included ASUU, ‎SSANU, ‎JUSUN, ‎NUCFRLANMPE, ‎NUPENG, ‎NUEE, ‎NANNM, ‎NUBIFIE, and ‎NUBBTE. The struggle continues.”

  • Union disowns resignation of member from Edo NLC Committee

    Union disowns resignation of member from Edo NLC Committee

    National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has disowned alleged unilateral resignation of one of its member, Comrade Mike Ochei from the Caretaker Committee set up by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to resolve the crisis in the state council to pave the way for elections into the state leadership of the Congress.

    Addressing a press conference in Kaduna over the issue, the General Secretary of NUTGTWN, Comrade Ali Baba said officials of the Textile Union were shocked about Ochei resignation from the caretaker committee, claiming that he was coerced into the committee.

    “This press conference is therefore to further reiterate that the leadership of the union was neither consulted nor carried along by Comrade Mike Ochei before his resignation from the Edo State NLC caretaker committee. The resignation was a unilateral action, and it does not represent the position of our union. We, therefore, strongly condemn his action. It runs contrary to the democratic traditions, collective spirit, and organisational discipline that guide our union. We completely dissociate ourselves from it.

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    “As a union, we tender our unreserved apology to the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). We remain firmly loyal to and supportive of the leadership of the NLC under Comrade Joe Ajaero. We equally reaffirm our full support for the Edo State Caretaker Committee of the NLC as duly constituted by the National Secretariat.

    “The caretaker committee remains the legitimate organ mandated to reposition and strengthen the NLC in Edo State, and we urge all affiliates and comrades including our members in Edo state to rally behind it.

    “As a proud affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), we stand unshaken in our commitment to the unity and progress of the Nigeria Labour Congress. We shall continue to work with the national leadership and all state councils to defend the rights of workers, to advance decent work, and to promote the welfare of the Nigerian working people.  We assure the leadership of the NLC and the caretaker committee in Edo State of our total cooperation and unwavering support.

    “This press conference is in response to the development in Edo State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and in particular, the resignation of our union’s representative, Comrade Mike Ochei from the Caretaker Committee set up by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress to resolve the crisis in the state council to pave the way for elections into the state leadership of the Congress.

    “Last weekend, the media was awash with news of the resignation of Comrade Mike Ochei from the Professor Monday Igbafen led Caretaker Committee of NLC, Edo State. Comrade Ochei is the Chairman of the Edo State Tailors, a chapter of our union. He was duly informed before he was nominated to serve in the NLC State Caretaker Committee which was inaugurated by the national body on August 28. He also freely accepted his nomination and has been participating in the activities of the Committee.

    “We were therefore shocked when our attention was drawn to media reports on Sunday 14th September about his resignation from the caretaker committee and purported claim that he was coerced into the committee.  The development created serious disaffection within and outside the movement capable of tarnishing the image of our union. Consequently, we convened an emergency meeting of the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) where it was resolved that the Edo State Executive committee of the union should be dissolved forthwith.

    “The Deputy General Secretary of the Union was promptly sent to Benin City to meet with the NLC State Caretaker Committee with a view of tendering the union’s apology and reaffirming the union’s loyalty to the NLC and the Caretaker Committee. He was also to meet with our union members in the State, jointly address press conferences and subsequently dissolve the state executive till further notice.

    “As we speak, the Edo state executive of our union has been placed on indefinite suspension. The leadership of the union is further investigating the role played by individuals including the reported assault on some journalists for severe disciplinary measures,” Baba said.

  • Delta dress code: Lawyer urges Delta NLC to provide alternative, lauds Govt

    Delta dress code: Lawyer urges Delta NLC to provide alternative, lauds Govt

    Notable Rights lawyer in Delta state, Ikimi Oghenejabor has called on the Delta State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to proffer solutions to the government’s review of civil servants dressing.

    Ikimi, during a telephone conversation with The Nation in Warri, Sunday, affirmed that the state government was on track to ensure discipline among its workers.

    He said the state government, as employer, should dictate how its employees ought to dress and not the other way round, flaying comments attributed to the State NLC chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofoburuku.

    According to reports, Ofoburuku had said the Union was not consulted before the State Government issued the directive to workers, and workers were not well paid enough to afford suits and other dress codes handed down, given the tough economic times.

    He further assured workers that anyone found culpable by the government would be protected by the NLC.

    But Ikimi insisted that the union should provide solutions, maintaining that the directive bore no infringement on the fundamental human rights of the workers.

    Ikimi said: “The state government is the employer of labour, there is nothing wrong with what the government is doing. I support it. It is just to instill discipline into the civil service. The employer of Labour is saying this is how I want you to dress. This is what we had in those days. In public service, there was always this dress code we grew up to know, this shirt and tie, so also is the women. These long nails and growing of beard and painting of hair, these are not known to the conservative civil service we inherited from the British people. 

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    “So if the governmeny says they want to maintain standard, they want to maintain discipline, I support it. You see the way improper dressing is in the society, it has eaten deep into the civil service.

    “A state or a country where there is lawlessness, if you try to be law-abiding, it is regarded as lawlessness, so this lawlessness in the civil service has taken years and has grown. If the state government is trying to remove improper dressing, and people are looking at it as unlawful, it is not unlawful. 

    “What the State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is doing, it is not trying to protect the workers. They cannot tell me they don’t have money to sew a clean suit, buy a clean shirt and tie and trousers. That Government should provide money for them to do this, and that is wrong. The NLC should wake up and do the right thing. I have not seen the solution they have brought up to address the improper dressing in the civil service. They are only saying they were not consulted. Now that you know, what is the solution to improper dressing?”

  • Dangote refineries: Economic rights activists condemn NUPENG, NLC over threats of nationwide strike

    Dangote refineries: Economic rights activists condemn NUPENG, NLC over threats of nationwide strike

    The Economic Rights Activists (ERA) has condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), and other affiliated unions for their planned nationwide strike, which threatened to disrupt fuel distribution and cripple Nigeria’s economic life. 

    During a briefing in Abuja, ERA’s Executive Director, Dr. Josiah Inuwa, described the proposed industrial action as a “reckless and unpatriotic” assault on the Nigerian people, warning that it would inflict severe hardship on millions while potentially serving the interests of economic saboteurs. 

    The unions’ grievances stem from alleged anti-union practices at the Dangote Refinery and accusations of monopolistic control in the downstream petroleum sector. 

    Inuwa argued that the strike would primarily harm ordinary citizens—small business owners, transport operators, and families—rather than corporate giants. 

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    “The okada rider in Enugu, the pepper seller in Osun, the teacher in Kaduna, and the mechanic in Port Harcourt will bear the brunt,” he stated. “Transport fares will skyrocket, food prices will soar, hospitals will lose power, and small businesses will collapse. This is not a fight for justice—it is a direct attack on the Nigerian people.” 

    The ERA highlighted the devastating impact of past oil sector strikes, such as the 2012 fuel subsidy protests and the 2020 industrial actions, which cost the economy billions of naira daily and deepened recessionary pressures. 

    The group warned that the proposed strike could trigger similar losses, threatening Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms. 

    Inuwa raised concerns about the timing of the strike, noting its alignment with efforts by vested interests to undermine Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency through the Dangote Refinery, a critical step toward ending decades of reliance on imported fuel. 

    “Whether knowingly or not, NLC, NUPENG, and PETROAN risk becoming pawns of cartels that profit from the status quo,” he said, accusing these groups of orchestrating sabotage to derail the refinery’s success. 

    The ERA also accused union leaders of hypocrisy, pointing to the disconnect between their public rhetoric and private privileges. 

    “Many of these leaders drive in convoys while the masses trek,” Dr. Inuwa remarked. “They negotiate secret deals behind closed doors while claiming to fight for justice in public squares.” 

    He criticised the unions for bypassing civilized dispute resolution mechanisms like arbitration and dialogue, instead resorting to “blackmail” that holds the nation’s fuel supply hostage. “Why choose to strangle a fragile economy at its jugular?” he questioned. “This approach is reckless and unacceptable.” 

    In response, the ERA demanded that NLC, NUPENG, PETROAN, and other unions immediately suspend the strike and return to the negotiation table to resolve grievances through dialogue. 

    They urged President Tinubu, the Ministry of Labour, and relevant agencies to stand firm against union pressure while facilitating constructive engagement. 

    The group also called on Dangote Refinery to transparently address worker concerns regarding unionization and labor conditions, balancing its role as a strategic national asset with fair labor practices. 

    Additionally, the ERA urged the National Industrial Court and the Department of State Services (DSS) to establish mechanisms to deter irresponsible strike threats that weaponize critical sectors like oil and gas. 

    They appealed to the National Assembly to summon all parties involved to ensure transparency and investigate potential sabotage by cartels profiting from Nigeria’s fuel import dependency. 

    Addressing Nigerians directly, Dr. Inuwa called for vigilance against manipulation by “empty rhetoric,” emphasizing that the strike threat is not a noble struggle but a calculated move for control and monopoly. 

    “This is not about workers’ rights—it is about sabotage,” he warned. Praising President Tinubu’s economic reforms as deliberate steps toward recovery, he cautioned that such progress is too fragile to withstand another disruption.

  • NLC to engage Okpebholo on minimum wage

    NLC to engage Okpebholo on minimum wage

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it would positively engage with the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo with a view to increasing the minimum wage.

    During the last May Day celebration, Governor Okpebholo increased the minimum wage to N75,000.

    Caretaker Committee Chairman of Edo NLC, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said there was nothing achieved for workers that was not a product of struggle.

    Igbafen appealed to Edo workers to be patient and allowed the union engage with the state government.

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    He expressed optimism that the Governor would listen to them.

    Edo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, said the Governor has done a lot to improve welfare of workers.

     Ohonbamu expressed optimism that the Governor might increase the minimum but could not ascertain when.

    He mentioned N1bn soft loan and payment of students’ Bursary and increment of minimum wage as part of Okpebholo’s demonstration of commitment to worker’s welfare.

  • Police seal off Edo NLC secretariat

    Police seal off Edo NLC secretariat

    • Labour inaugurates Monday Igbafen Caretaker Committee for state

    Operatives of Nigeria Police Force have sealed off Edo State Secretariat of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), otherwise called Adams Oshiomhole Labour House.

    Similarly, the main gate of University of Benin (UNIBEN) was beefed up with police personnel.

    Suspected thugs were seen loitering at the secretariat.

    A police armoured personnel carrier was deployed in the secretariat.

    Heavy security at the Labour House and UNIBEN main gate was to bar inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of Edo NLC.

    But the inauguration was held at another venue in Benin City and Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in.

    It was gathered that NLC leaders had gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat for the inauguration, but put it off due to security report.

    Some NLC leaders from neighbouring states, who were scheduled to attend the inauguration at the Labour House, expressed regret that they could not access the secretariat.

    Comrade Augustine Igben from Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed when he was not allowed entry into Edo Labour House.

    “I felt embarrassed about the whole thing. How can the police barricade Labour House when there is no war? It is a labour issue. They should allow Labour to settle the issues themselves.

    “I was not allowed entry. Where am I going to pass through? There were lots of security personnel. I also saw some civilians mixed up with them.”

    The leadership crisis rocking Edo State chapter of NLC deepened yesterday, as its national leadership inaugurated Prof. Igbafen as chairman of the Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of Edo NLC.

    But Comrade Bernard Eguakhide insisted that he remained the interim chairman of NLC in Edo State.

    The inauguration of Prof. Igbafen was scheduled to hold at the secretariat of the Edo NLC at Ikpoba Slope, but the secretariat was sealed off by security personnel.

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    Prof. Igbafen and the Inauguration Committee led by Comrade Oluwole Adeleye moved to the Secretariat of  Academic Staff Union of Universities at the University of Benin, but security report made them to relocate to another venue where the inauguration was conducted.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Comrade Oluwole said the intervention in Edo NLC affairs was to sanitise the union.

    Oluwole said it was not acceptable for Comrade Eguakhide to make himself chairman of Edo NLC without the knowledge of the national body.

    He said: “We are aware of what is happening in Edo NLC since last year. The former chairman was involved in political activities. Ordinarily, it was the vice chairman that was to take over, but we were surprised the auditor took over and announced himself as the chairman. It is unacceptable.

    “We called them for a meeting and we realised everybody is selfish. Everybody wants to be chairman.

    “We are also unaware of the activities of the government. We are law-abiding citizens.”

    He urged the Caretaker Committee to bring all members together and reunite  Edo NLC.

    ‎Comrade Egwuaghide said he emerged as caretaker chairman of the Edo NLC after 43 affiliate unions gave him their nod.

    He accused the Comrade Joe Ajaero-led national NLC leadership of causing trouble in Edo NLC by flouting Edo State House of Assembly resolution.

    ‎According to him, “from the directive and the letter sent by the national secretary, it stated that they are coming to inaugurate a committee. We have been here since morning. Other workers have been here.

    ‎‎”We have not seen anybody that comes into this place to inaugurate any committee. So, we feel there is nothing that has happened again.

    ‎‎”In all, I, Comrade Egwuakhide, remain the authentic chairman of Edo NLC.”

    ‎‎Reacting to reported plans to inaugurate the Caretaker Committee inside UNIBEN, the institution’s management said it was averse to the use of the school’s facilities in its two campuses for any political or union event, including meetings and rallies without approval. 

    It directed officials overseeing its facilities not to entertain any request or application for the use of such facilities for purposes inconsistent with the mandate of the university as an academic institution.

    Spokesman for the institution, Benedicta Ehanire, in a statement, urged leaders of staff and students unions in the university to avoid any gathering not approved by the management.

  • Crisis in Edo NLC deepens as Ajaero inaugurates caretaker committee 

    Crisis in Edo NLC deepens as Ajaero inaugurates caretaker committee 

    …I remain interim chairman – Eguakhide

    The leadership tussle within the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) took a new turn on Thursday as the national leadership inaugurated Prof. Monday Igbafen as chairman of a caretaker committee to oversee the state council.

    However, Comrade Bernard Eguakhide insisted he remained the interim chairman of the Edo NLC.

    The inauguration, originally scheduled to hold at the Edo NLC secretariat along Ikpoba Slope, was disrupted after the facility was sealed off by heavy security personnel. 

    The committee, led by Comrade Oluwole Adeleye Sunday, first moved to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) secretariat at the University of Benin before eventually relocating to another venue to complete the exercise.

    Speaking at the event, Comrade Oluwole said the intervention was necessary to sanitise the Edo NLC, adding that it was unacceptable for Comrade Eguakhide to assume the role of chairman without the knowledge or approval of the national body.

    According to him, “We are aware of what is happening in Edo NLC since last year. The former Chairman was involved in political activities. Ordinarily, it was the Vice Chairman that was to take over but we were surprised the Auditor took over and announced himself the Chairman. It is unacceptable. 

    “We called them for a meeting and we realised everybody is selfish. Everybody wants to be Chairman.

    “We are also unaware of the activities of the government. We are law abiding citizens.”

    He charged the Caretaker Committee to bring all members together and reunite the Edo NLC.

    ‎On his part, Comrade Egwuaghide said emerged caretaker chairman of the Edo NLC after 43 affiliate unions gave him their nods. 

    Egwuakhide accused the Comrade Joe Ajaero-led National NLC leadership of causing trouble in the Edo NLC by flouting the Edo State House Assembly resolution.

    According to him, “From the directive and the letter sent by the National secretary, it stated that they are coming to to inaugurate a committee… We have been here since morning. Other workers have been here.

    ‎”We have not seen anybody that come into this place to inaugurate any committee. So, we feel that there is nothing that has happened again. 

    ‎”In all, I Comrade Bernard Egwuakhide remain the authentic chairman of Edo NLC.”

    ‎Reacting to reported plans to inaugurate the Caretaker Committee inside UNIBEN, the institution’s management said it was aversed to the use of the school’s facilities in its two campuses for any political or union event, including meetings and rallies without approval.  

    It directed all officials overseeing all its facilities not to entertain any request or application for the use of such facilities for purposes inconsistent with the mandate of the University as an academic institution. 

    Spokesman for the institution, Benedicta Ehanire, in a statement, urged all leaders of staff and students unions in the University to avoid any gathering not approved by the Management.

  • Tension as Ajaero set to inaugurate Edo NLC caretaker committee

    Tension as Ajaero set to inaugurate Edo NLC caretaker committee

    Affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State are currently divided over the planned inauguration of a caretaker committee to oversee affairs of the union in the state.

    There are fears that the NLC might snowball into a crisis following the rejection of the Committee by the Edo NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide.

    The Caretaker Committee is to be headed by the Chairman of the Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Monday Igbafen.

    Meanwhile, the Comrade Adams Labour House in Benin City, venue of the inauguration, has been placed under lock and key.

    The Edo House of Assembly at its Tuesday plenary said Ajaero’s imposition of a leadership on the state chapter of the NLC was capable of breaching peace in the state.

    It asked Ajaero to work with Comrade Eguakhide, whom the Edo workers preferred.

    The Assembly passed a resolution calling on Comrade Ajaero to shelve the proposed leadership change of the NLC Exco in the state.

     Majority leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, who moved the motion, said there is a harmonious labour force devoid of strife under the leadership of Comrade Eguakhide.

    Acting National Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, in a statement, accused the Edo State government of trying to frustrate its efforts to inaugurate the caretaker committee.

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    He said the keys to the NLC secretariat have not been released to its team.

    Upah said its decision was in line with labour law and global practices.

    He explained that the circumstances leading to the dissolution of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress were opened.

    “They were preceded by efforts by a joint committee comprising leading lights from the Congress and the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment; Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

    “With the inauguration of the caretaker committee scheduled for Thursday, August, 28, 2025 in Benin City to which the government was invited, the key to the NLC Secretariat in Benin City has not only been seized by government, threats have been issued to members of the caretaker committee and those assigned by Congress to inaugurate them.”

  • NLC crisis: Edo chapter rejects Ajaero’s caretaker committee

    NLC crisis: Edo chapter rejects Ajaero’s caretaker committee

    The Edo state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the caretaker committee constituted by the body’s national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

     A statement signed by Edo NLC chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide and assistant secretary, Comrade Omole Osahon, urged the general public to disregard and not give any form of legality to the five-man caretaker committee constituted by Ajaero.

    The statement urged Comrade Ajaero to focus on serious issues that concerned the welfare of Nigerian workers, instead of trying to impose Odion Olaye on Edo workers through the so-called caretaker committee.

    It stated that Edo workers have rejected Olaye.

     “The so-called caretaker committee is orchestrated by Chief Odion Olaye, who once threatened that ‘Edo will burn’ if a particular politician does not win an election in Edo state. We will not allow him to continue to lead the Edo NLC council by proxy,

    “We do not only reject the committee purportedly set up by Joe Ajaero and Odion Olaye, we also view the caretaker committee as an attempt to undermine the state’s stability and to carry out Olaye’s earlier threat of ‘burning down Edo state.

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    “Comrade Ajaero’s move to impose this connived contraption has further sparked controversies. We wish to on behalf of Edo workers use this medium to warn and advise him and Olaye to retrace their steps and leave Edo workers alone as we have been enjoying a very peaceful and friendly Labour relations and working relations since Olaye was removed by majority members of the affiliate unions and replaced with the comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide -led executive.

    “It is on record that the “United Labour Congress” (ULC) that was used to castrate the NLC at a time, was a baby of Comrade Joe Ajaero. His action is again tending towards the same in Edo State. We also call on the federal Ministry of Labour to respect the rights of workers and labour unions in Edo State, ensuring that they can operate freely without fear of intimidation or persecution by Comrade Joe Ajaero.

    “Let comrade Ajaero and his cohorts know that Edo workers are ready to resist any attempt or moves by him to impose Odion Olaye on Edo workers for the second time in the name of a caretaker committee. Edo workers are ready and solidly behind Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide-led NLC council in Edo state”, they posited.