Police Seal Edo NLC Secretariat
Police operatives on Thursday sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), popularly known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, stopping the planned inauguration of the union’s Caretaker Committee.
Armed personnel mounted barricades at the secretariat, while the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was also secured by a heavy police presence.
A police armoured carrier was deployed to the Labour House, with suspected thugs reportedly loitering around the area.
Despite the clampdown, the inauguration later took place at a different venue in Benin City, where Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in as chairman of the caretaker committee.
It was gathered that NLC leaders initially gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat but were forced to change location following a security report.
Some union leaders from neighbouring states, who were scheduled to attend the programme at the Labour House, expressed disappointment over the development.
Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed by the police action.
He said, “I felt embarrassed about the whole thing. How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war? This is a Labour issue; they should allow Labour settle the matter themselves. I was not allowed entry. Where was I supposed to pass through? There were so many security personnel, and I also saw some civilians mixed with them.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
