The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has petitioned Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the invasion of its secretariat in Edo State and the confiscation of its property.
In separate letters to the governor and the IGP, the NLC, through its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, informed them of a communiqué from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri, Imo State, on December 18, 2024.
The communiqué set a deadline of January 8, 2025, for the police to vacate the office and return the seized property, among other demands, to avoid confrontation with organized labor.
The letters to the Edo State Governor and the IGP called for their “prompt intervention.”
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In the petition to Governor Okpebholo, dated December 19, 2024, the NLC stated: “The communiqué highlights key resolutions, including concerns regarding the invasion and ransacking of the NLC Edo State Council Secretariat.
“This unfortunate incident, reportedly carried out under your administration, undermines the principles of democracy and the protection of trade union rights.
Please find the resolution of the NEC concerning this vexatious issue, as contained in the communiqué, for your attention.
“Edo State, which has a rich history of producing past trade union leaders and worker-friendly governors, cannot suddenly be tarnished by actions that are contrary to our rules of engagement as social partners.
“We urge Your Excellency to take immediate steps to vacate the Secretariat premises, restore all confiscated properties, and ensure non-interference in the affairs of the Congress.
“The NLC remains committed to working collaboratively with your administration to address matters of mutual concern and to safeguard the rights and welfare of workers in Edo State.”
In a similar letter to the IGP, the NLC informed Mr. Egbetokun of the highlights of the NEC resolutions addressing critical national concerns, including the invasion and ransacking of the NLC Edo State Council Secretariat.
“Recall our earlier letter to you on this issue and the current resolution of the NEC on it, as contained in the communiqué. This act, reportedly carried out with police involvement, raises serious questions about the protection of trade union rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We request your immediate attention to ensure the safety of our members, restitution of confiscated properties, and a commitment to refraining from further interference in trade union activities.
“The Congress remains committed to engaging constructively with your office to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of Nigerian workers.”