Nigeria Labour Congress Condemns Police For Breaking Into Edo Council Offices, Warns Governor Okpebholo
The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City while the Chairperson of the Edo State Council of the NLC was attending the annual NLC Harmattan School in Abuja.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the “illegal break-in and entry” into its Edo State Council offices by police personnel from the Edo State Police Command.
The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City while the Chairperson of the Edo State Council of the NLC was attending the annual NLC Harmattan School in Abuja.
The NLC noted that neither the police nor any other entity had provided an explanation for the break-in.
However, the union cited speculations that the police might have acted on the orders of the newly inaugurated Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The Head of Public Affairs, Benson Upah, in a statement released on Thursday, said the NLC cautioned the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, against engaging in conflicts with the union.
Upah emphasised that, regardless of whether the police acted independently or under the Governor’s directive, the NLC demands an unconditional apology and corrective action.
He stated that trade unions are protected by law and must not be interfered with by the state or any other entity.
The group advised Governor Okpebholo to avoid labour matters and focus on other priorities, urging the police to uphold their integrity and refrain from being used for unlawful activities.
“Acts of intimidation of trade unions or their leaders are unacceptable as they constitute not only a violation of trade union and human rights but also a threat to our hard-won democracy.
“As a brand-new Governor, he should have his priorities. We would hate to think that authorising the harassment of trade union leaders is one of them.
“Leave the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone! It is too soon to start a fight with us,” the NLC warned.
