The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) seems to be divided over the upcoming Worker’s Day popularly known as May Day celebrated yearly May 1st.

Professor Monday Igbafen, addressing himself in a statement as Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Edo NLC, argued that while “other State Councils of the NLC across this federation may, perhaps, find reason to roll out drums on May Day,” declared that the “labour environment in Edo today cannot and must not inspire celebration. For how can a people divided ever be joyful?”

Igbafen disclosed that “genuine labour leaders and true workers have resolved to stay indoors to mourn, in silence, the present travails of labour in our state. Let the public be rescued from this deception.”

He added: “Let it be known that tomorrow’s assembly is powered neither by the legitimate leadership of the NLC in Edo State, nor by the National Leadership of Congress. Those behind it are usurpers and hijackers of the Edo State Council of the NLC.

“The Edo NLC is in a quagmire. We are locked in struggle against the combined forces of reactionaries, impostors, self-imposed leaders, political collaborators, and labour aristocrats. Every genuine effort to reposition this Council has been met with repression. Yet we are not in despair. The struggle continues.

“Therefore, let the record reflect this truth: No pretentious May Day organized, engineered, and bankrolled by compradors can ever keep alive the glorious philosophy of May Day.

“To the public, and especially to every well-meaning worker in Edo State, we say: Do not be deceived. The gathering scheduled for tomorrow at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, is no true reflection of May Day. It is a hoax.”

But in a telephone interview with The Guardian, Comrade Bernard Egwakide, another factional Chairman of the Edo NLC shiftly dismissed Igbafen’s claim, describing him (Igbafen) as an “unknown entity to the Edo workers.”

He said: “The name you just mentioned is unknown to me and Edo workers in general; Edo NLC is one, so I am not aware of what you are talking about not do I know the name you just mentioned.

“Edo workers are going out tomorrow (today) to mark the May Day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and the governor is our chief host. So, I cannot join you to be talking about someone unknown to Edo workers.”