NLC queries five affiliate leaders over Edo secretariat crisis

NLC queries five affiliate leaders over Edo secretariat crisis

 

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has queried the presidents of five affiliate unions over the continued closure of its Edo State secretariat.

 

Those affected include the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the National Union of Public Service Reportorial and Secretarial Workers of Nigeria (NUPSRAW).

 

In a letter dated September 2, 2025, and jointly signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, and Treasurer Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, the national leadership accused the state chairmen of the affiliates of “supreme treachery and insurrection” for working with others to lock up the state congress secretariat.

 

The letter, titled “Act of gross misconduct, betrayal and urgent demand for disciplinary action against your errant officer in Edo State”, described the action as a brazen defiance of the directives of the Central Working Committee (CWC) issued on August 13, 2025.

 

The NLC directed the presidents of the affected unions to commence disciplinary proceedings against the state chairmen, including their suspension from all union activities, pending the outcome of investigations.

 

It also ordered the immediate and unconditional return of all keys to the secretariat to the duly recognized State Administrative Committee or officers designated by the national leadership.

 

The letter warned that the silence of the unions in the face of the crisis could be construed as complicity.

 

Those affected are Comrade Bernard Ajobiewe (NUT), Comrade Ogbeide Osagie (MHWUN), Comrade Kingsley Ireotoi (NUPSRAW), Comrade Godwin Oisamaiye (NCSU and chairman of the Joint Service Negotiation Council, JNC), and Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide (AUPCTRE and factional chairman of the NLC in Edo).