Ajaero Warns Okpebholo After Edo NLC Office Invasion

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has warned the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, against picking fights with the union, saying that it is too soon.

Ajaero’s warning came after the office of the NLC in Edo State was invaded 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, in the statement, noted that 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.

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Ajaero said, “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.”