BENIN-CITY: Police operatives on Thursday, August 28, sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), popularly known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, in Benin City. The action came amid a heated leadership tussle within the state chapter of the labour union.
An armoured personnel carrier was stationed at the Labour House, while heavily armed officers mounted barricades around the premises.
Eyewitnesses also reported the presence of suspected thugs loitering near the area, a development that heightened tension and fear of possible violence.
The security clampdown was aimed at preventing the scheduled inauguration of the NLC Caretaker Committee in the state. Despite the blockade, the inauguration eventually took place at an alternative venue within Benin, where Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in as chairman.
Initially, labour leaders had converged at the University of Benin’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat for the inauguration but were forced to postpone it due to security concerns.
Several union leaders from neighbouring states who had travelled to attend expressed frustration over being denied access to the Labour House.
Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union described the incident as an embarrassment. I felt embarrassed about the whole thing. How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war?
his is a labour issue; they should allow us to settle it ourselves, he lamented, adding that he was barred from entry and observed civilians mingling among security operatives.
The development has sparked debate over the growing role of security agencies in union matters, with critics accusing authorities of meddling in internal labour disputes.
For now, the Edo NLC Caretaker Committee has taken off under tight security and controversy, raising questions about unity within the labour movement in the state.
