The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the newly elected Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and the State Police Command to refrain from interfering in the internal labor affairs of its council, stating that it is too early to engage in conflicts with trade unions.
The NLC made this appeal in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday evening.
The statement partly reads, “We are disturbed by a recorded incident of unauthorized and illegal breaking and entry into the offices of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress by some personnel of the Edo State Police Command.
“The incident occurred in Benin City during the absence of the Chairperson of the Edo State Council of the NLC, who is currently attending the annual Harmattan School in Abuja.
“Neither the police nor any other entity has provided an explanation for this criminal behavior, though there are speculations that the police may have acted at the behest of the new Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo.
“Regardless of whether the police acted independently or under the Governor’s directive, we demand an unconditional apology and a reversal of these actions.
“Trade unions are protected by law. Under no circumstances should their affairs be interfered with by the state or any entity, nor should they be forcefully brought under the control of any other authority.
“Acts of intimidation against trade unions or their leaders are equally unacceptable, as they not only violate trade union and human rights but also pose a threat to our hard-won democracy.”
The statement continued:
“In light of these developments, the Governor is advised to steer clear of labor matters in the state.
“As a newly elected Governor, he should focus on more pressing priorities. It would be unfortunate to think that authorizing the harassment of trade union leaders is one of them.
“As for the police, they must reclaim their integrity by refraining from engaging in unethical acts that violate their oath of office.
“Leave the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone! It is too early to start a fight with us.”
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Addressing the death of the former NLC Edo State Council Chairman, Comrade Kaduna Eboidogbin, the Congress stated:
“We join trade unions, civil society allies, and patriotic Nigerians in Edo State in calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officers responsible for the death of Comrade Kaduna Eboidogbin, the former NLC State Council Chairman in Edo State.
“The explanation provided by the officers involved in this heinous crime is not only lame and ridiculous but also an insult to our collective intelligence.
“Nothing short of the immediate arrest, detention, and prosecution for murder of the officers involved will suffice.
“The Edo State Police Command, and indeed the Nigeria Police Force, must resist the temptation to cover up this crime, as has often been the case when officers overstep their bounds.
“The Nigeria Police Force gains nothing by protecting bad actors within its ranks under the guise of preserving its public image.
“We urge the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Umoru Ozigi, to act decisively and transparently, fully aware that a life has been lost due to willful misconduct.
“We strongly advise the police to heed our call to action to avoid further public backlash.”
