The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has cautioned Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against meddling in labor issues within the state.
Ajaero urged the governor to focus on governance and avoid actions that could spark conflicts with the union.
This warning comes after security operatives reportedly stormed the NLC office in Edo State. The union described the incident as an “illegal break-in” carried out by officers from the Edo State Police Command, raising concerns about potential involvement from Governor Okpebholo.
The NLC demanded an apology, stressing that such acts of intimidation against unions or their leaders violate human and trade union rights and pose a threat to democracy.
“Acts of intimidation of trade unions or their leaders are equally off-limits as these constitute not only a violation of trade union/human rights but a threat to our hard-won democracy.
“In light of the preceding, the governor is advised to steer off labour matters in the state.
“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.
“As for the police, they should retrieve their honour, if they can, by not lending themselves to the performance of dirty jobs in contravention of their oath of office.
“Leave Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone! It is too soon to start a fight with us,” Ajaero said.