Olayiwola Matthew
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has warned the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, against picking fights with the union.
Ajaero’s warning came on the heels of the invasion of the office of the NLC in Edo State by security operatives.
A statement by the NLC said it was disturbed by the “illegal breaking in and entry into the offices of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress by some police personnel of Edo State Police Command.”
The NLC said it was particularly worrisome amid speculations that the police might have acted at Okpebholo’s instance.Ajaero said whether the police acted alone or at the governor’s behest, the NLC demanded an apology.
“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.