NLC resolves Edo leadership crisis, affirms Olaye as chairman

The crisis rocking the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was on Friday laid to rest as the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC affirmed Odion Olaye as the authentic chairman of the state.

Briefing newsmen in Benin after returning from the NEC meeting, Olaye presented copies of the resolution of the NEC held in Abuja, which confirmed his position as the duly elected chairman of NLC Edo State.

Olaye, quoting from a communique signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, president and secretary of the 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 strongly condemned those fueling crises in the state, particularly the invasion and ransacking of the NLC Edo State secretariat.

He stated that NEC has equally asked all those who invaded the NLC Edo State secretariat to return all confiscated properties to Congress and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities.

Ajaero, in the communique, said:”The invasion and ransacking of the NLC Edo State Council Secretariat by the Police and the Governor of Edo State is strongly condemned by NEC.

“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, stating: “It has come to our attention that some officers of affiliate unions in Edo State are parading themselves as new officers of Congress. This behaviour 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 the crisis in Edo NLC to desist forthwith.