The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State government and the state’s police commissioner to vacate the NLC secretariat in Benin City, following allegations of an unlawful invasion and an attempt to impose illegitimate leadership on the union’s state chapter.
This ultimatum was outlined in a communiqué released after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC held in Owerri, Imo State, under the leadership of its national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero. The NEC did not mince words in condemning the alleged violations and warning of severe consequences if its demands were not met.
A Call for Accountability
In the communiqué, NEC described the events as a “brazen act of impunity,” alleging that the police and the Edo State government orchestrated an invasion of the NLC secretariat. “This brazen act included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers,” the statement read.
The NLC further demanded the immediate return of all confiscated items and a firm commitment from the state government to desist from interfering in union matters. “Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,” the communiqué warned.
The ultimatum, which expires on January 8, 2025, marks a critical deadline for the Edo State government and police to rectify the situation or face potential nationwide industrial actions by the NLC.
Leadership Crisis Brewing
The controversy centers around claims of an alleged attempt to forcefully remove the legitimate leadership of the Edo State chapter of the NLC, led by Comrade Odion Olaye. Speaking on the matter, Olaye insisted he remains the duly elected chairman of the chapter and dismissed the moves against him as illegitimate.
“I was elected on March 7, 2023, and my first tenure will only end on March 6, 2027. The NLC is an organized body with recognized authority,” Olaye emphasized. “You can’t just come from nowhere and declare yourself chairman when you haven’t been elected.”
The embattled chairman accused the government and certain individuals of attempting to bypass democratic processes to install new leadership. “They invaded our secretariat to oust me, but I have reported the matter to the national leadership of the NLC and affiliate unions,” he said.
Olaye also alleged that evidence of the invasion was in his possession and had been shared with the appropriate authorities.
NLC Stands Firm
The national leadership of the NLC has expressed unwavering support for Olaye and warned against any further actions that could disrupt the union’s operations in Edo State. NEC’s communiqué underscored the union’s commitment to protecting the rights of its members and upholding democratic processes in its leadership structure.
Comrade Ajaero, the NLC national president, described the invasion as a direct attack on the integrity of trade unionism in Nigeria. “What happened in Edo State is unacceptable. It is an affront to our values and principles as a labor movement,” he said.
Historical Context of Labor Disputes in Nigeria
Labor unions in Nigeria have historically been at the forefront of defending workers’ rights and challenging government overreach. The NLC, established in 1978, has often found itself clashing with state and federal authorities over issues ranging from wage disputes to policy interventions.
The latest incident in Edo State reflects a recurring pattern where labor unions accuse government entities of attempting to undermine their autonomy. Analysts warn that if the Edo State situation escalates, it could set a dangerous precedent for other states, further straining labor-government relations nationwide.
Potential Fallout
The NLC’s ultimatum raises the stakes significantly. Should the Edo State government and police fail to comply with the demands, the NLC could mobilize its members across the country for industrial action. Such a move would not only disrupt public services but could also trigger widespread unrest.
The Edo State government has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations, and attempts to reach the state’s Commissioner of Police for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
