The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the five-member caretaker committee that was recently established by the Congress’ National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
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In a statement co-signed by the Edo NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwakhide, and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Omole Osahon, the state council called on the public to ignore the committee, asserting that it lacks legitimacy.
The statement claimed that Ajaero is attempting to impose Chief Odion Olaye on Edo workers through what they termed a fabricated caretaker arrangement. According to the leadership of the Edo NLC, Olaye has long been rejected by the workers in the state.
“The so-called caretaker committee is orchestrated by Chief Odion Olaye, who once threatened that ‘Edo will burn’ if a certain politician did not win an election. We will not allow him to continue leading the Edo NLC by proxy,” the statement declared.
The Edo council also contended that this decision undermines the stability of the state labour movement and could escalate tensions. They highlighted that the current leadership under Comrade Egwakhide was established after Olaye was ousted by a majority of affiliate unions, noting that labour relations in the state have been peaceful since that time.
The statement also mentioned Ajaero’s previous involvement in forming the United Labour Congress (ULC), accusing him of previously trying to weaken the NLC and cautioning against a repeat of that in Edo State.
“We urge the Federal Ministry of Labour to honor the rights of Edo workers and unions to operate freely, without intimidation or undue interference. Edo workers remain firmly behind the Egwakhide-led council and are ready to resist any attempts to impose Odion Olaye through the backdoor,” the statement concluded.