The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress has denied allegations by its national secretariat that the Edo State Government forcefully broke into and ransacked the Labour House in Benin City.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 23, 2024, and jointly signed by the Acting State Chairman, Bernard Egwekhide, and Acting State Secretary, Kingsley Ireotoi, the council described the accusations as false and baseless.
“This is to deny the claim by the NLC national secretariat that the Edo State Government forcefully broke into and ransacked the Edo State Labour House,” the statement read.
The Edo NLC clarified that police officers seen in a viral video were stationed at the premises at the request of the union leadership to secure the building and its properties.
“There is a long-standing cordial relationship between the Edo State Government and the various labour unions, including the NLC. Recently, there was a meeting between the state government and labour representatives aimed at addressing irregularities in the minimum wage implemented by the previous administration,” the statement added.
The council emphasized that the Edo State Government has not engaged in acts of vandalism or intimidation against labour unions. It suggested that the allegations were intended to damage the government’s reputation and create unnecessary tension.
The NLC urged the national secretariat to direct former chairman Comrade Odion Olaye to provide evidence supporting the claims.
“Unfounded accusations like these can strain the positive relationship between the state government and the labour community,” the statement concluded.
