The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proceeded with the inauguration of a caretaker committee for its Edo State chapter, openly defying a resolution by the Edo State House of Assembly which had called for the suspension of the process. The committee, headed by Prof. Monday Igbafen, was sworn in at a secret location after the NLC’s original venue—the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House—was locked and placed under heavy security in an apparent attempt to block the event.
Key Details:
✔ Defiance: NLC ignored the state assembly’s directive to halt the inauguration
✔ Venue Change: Event moved to ASUU Secretariat, UNIBEN, then to an undisclosed location
✔ Security Presence: Police and civilian personnel barricaded the Labour House
✔ Governor’s Stance: Gov. Monday Okpebholo refused to work with former chairman Bernard Egwakhide
Why This Matters
• Labour Autonomy: NLC asserts independence from state political interference
• Political Tension: Reflects ongoing friction between state government and labour movement
• Precedent Setting: Could influence labour-state relations in other regions
What Next?
→ Potential Showdown: State assembly may respond with further resolutions
→ Union Elections: Caretaker committee tasked with conducting fresh elections
→ National Backing: NLC national leadership continues to support Edo chapter
