The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the newly elected Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, urging him to refrain from meddling in the affairs of the state chapter of the Congress. In a statement released on Thursday, the NLC emphasized that it is premature for the governor to engage in hostilities with organized labor.
The statement, signed by Benson Upah, Head of the Department of Information and Public Affairs, addressed recent incidents concerning the unauthorized entry of police personnel into the NLC’s state office in Benin City. This unauthorized action reportedly took place while the Chairperson of the Edo State Council was attending an annual event in Abuja, raising concerns about the motivations behind the police’s actions.
“We have registered our disquiet regarding a reported illegal incursion into the offices of the Edo State Council of the NLC by officers of the Edo State Police Command,” the statement read. The lack of explanation from the police, coupled with speculation that the incident might have been orchestrated at the behest of Governor Okpebholo, has intensified the NLC’s concerns regarding the improper relationship between state power and trade unions.
The NLC firmly stated, “Trade unions are protected by law, and under no circumstances should their operations be interfered with by the state or any external authority.” The Congress also highlighted the unacceptable nature of any acts of intimidation directed at trade unions and their leaders, categorizing such actions as violations of fundamental rights and a threat to democratic principles.
The Congress called for an immediate retraction of any actions aimed at undermining their autonomy, stating, “We demand an unreserved apology and a clear reversal of these unlawful actions.” The NLC further advised Governor Okpebholo to focus on his governance priorities, cautioning him against prioritizing conflicts with labor organizations.
The statement reinforced that now is not the time for confrontations with the NLC, urging the governor to respect the rights and operations of trade unions in the state. The NLC concluded with a resolute call for peace: “Leave the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone. It is too early to start a conflict with us.”
