The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted claims from its national secretariat that the Edo State Government forcefully broke into and ransacked the Labour House in Benin City.
In a statement signed by the Acting State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Jorman Egwekhide, and the Acting State Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Ireotoi, the council described the allegations as “false, misleading, and baseless.”
The statement clarified that the police officers seen in a widely circulated video, shared by former state chairman Comrade Odion Olaye, were deployed to the Labour House at the request of the Congress leadership to safeguard the premises and its properties. It dismissed any insinuation that the state government had used the police to force entry into the building.
According to the Edo NLC, the state government has maintained a longstanding cordial relationship with labour unions. Recent engagements between both parties were cited, including discussions to address irregularities in the minimum wage system implemented by the previous administration.
“Furthermore, the Edo State Government has never engaged in acts of vandalism or intimidation against labour unions or their properties. We believe these unfounded allegations are aimed at tarnishing the image of the state government and creating unnecessary discord,” the statement read.
The council called on the NLC national secretariat to demand evidence from Comrade Olaye to support the claims of a break-in, urging caution in spreading accusations that could undermine the positive relationship between labour unions and the state government.
The Edo NLC reiterated its commitment to promoting harmony between the government and the labour community while addressing the welfare of workers in the state.
