Edo NLC refutes allegations of Labour House break-in by State Govt

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Council, yesterday, dismissed claims by its national secretariat that the Edo State Government forcefully broke into and ransacked the Edo State Labour House.

The Council in a statement jointly signed by its Acting State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Jorman Egwekhide, and the Acting State Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Ireotoi, described the allegations as false, misleading, and baseless.

It clarified that at no point were police officers used to force entry into the Labour House, explaining that the police officers seen in a video shared by former chairman, Comrade Odion Olaye, were stationed at the premises upon the request of the Congress leadership to safeguard the building and its properties.

The statement emphasized the longstanding cordial relationship between the Edo State Government and the various labour unions, including the NLC and highlighted recent engagements, such as a meeting between the state government and labour representatives aimed at addressing irregularities in the minimum wage (administrative wage) implemented by the previous administration.

“Furthermore, the Edo State Government has never engaged in any acts of vandalism or intimidation against labour unions or their properties. We believe such allegations are intended to tarnish the image of the state government and sow unnecessary discord between the government and the labour unions,” the statement added.

The Edo NLC, therefore, urged the national secretariat to mandate Odion Olaye to provide evidence to substantiate his claims, stressing the need to avoid unfounded accusations that could strain the positive relationship between the state government and the labour community.