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.
Ajaeroβs 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 βillegal 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.β
The NLC, in the statement, noted that it was particularly worrisome amid speculations that the police might have acted at Okpebholoβs instance.
Ajaero said whether the police acted alone or at the governorβs behest, the NLC demanded an apology.
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Ajaero said, βActs 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.
βIn light of the preceding, the governor is advised to steer off labour matters in the state.
βAs 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.
βAs 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.
βLeave Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone! It is too soon to start a fight with us.”

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.