By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has disowned a circular purportedly issued by an individual claiming to be the “Acting State Secretary” of its Edo State Council, directing workers to attend a government-organised parade on May Day, 1st May 2025.
In a statement signed by its Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello, dated 26th April 2025, the NLC described the circular as “duplicitous and unauthorised,” warning workers and the public to disregard it.
The Congress reiterated its earlier directive for affiliates in Edo State to commemorate May Day independently in their respective union offices, in line with efforts to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis in the state council.
The NLC stated unequivocally that it has no official position known as “Acting State Secretary” and dismissed the individual behind the circular as an impostor with questionable motives.
“The person behind this circular is an impostor, and his motives are highly questionable,” the statement read. “He clearly neither works for the NLC nor for the workers.”
The Congress also distanced itself from one Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide, declaring that he is not recognised in any NLC records as the Chairman of the Edo State Council. It assured the public that any legitimate changes in the state leadership would be formally communicated.
Emphasising the sanctity of May Day as a workers’ celebration, the NLC rejected any attempt to coerce workers into attending a government-organised event.
“May Day is a workers’ celebration, not a government event. No worker is under any compulsion to attend any government parade,” the statement asserted. “Threats of sanctions for non-attendance are null, void, and blatant intimidation tactics.”
The Congress reaffirmed the independence of trade unions, vowing to resist any external interference.
“Trade unions are independent organisations that function in line with their rules, free from any external interference. We will take all measures to defend our independence and stand firmly with the workers of Edo State unconditionally.”
The NLC expressed its commitment to resolving the leadership crisis in the Edo State Council and ensuring a united, worker-centric May Day celebration.
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