Edo Assembly’s resolution on NLC Chair ignorant, unlawful — Labour

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has faulted the resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly, urging its leadership to allow Bernard Egwahide continue as State Council Chairperson, describing the move as “ignorant and unlawful.”

This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah.

Upah, in the statement, said the resolution “represents the height of ignorance and perhaps obscene obsequiousness.”

He explained that Egwahide was never elected as Edo State Council Chairperson, stressing that Odion Olaye was the duly elected chair with three vice chairpersons empowered by labour law to step in during emergencies.

“Odion Olaye’s tenure, in contravention of the corpus of Labour Law, was frustrated halfway by Governor Okpehbolo. That act of interference was unlawful and unacceptable to the Congress,” Upah declared.

The NLC noted that even if Olaye’s removal was deemed lawful, succession procedures were clear and should have been followed.

“The next in line of succession pending election ought not be the Auditor but the Vice Chairperson or other ranking executives,” Upah said.

The union therefore questioned the role of the state government in backing Egwahide’s leadership, describing it as an anomaly.

“How come the Auditor (the least in rank) and not any of the ranking executives is being imposed by the Governor of Edo State?” Upah queried.

On the legislative role of the Edo Assembly, the NLC reminded lawmakers that labour issues fall strictly within the federal purview.

“Labour matters are on the Exclusive Legislative List and not within the remit of the State House of Assembly to legislate on,” Upah emphasised.

He further maintained that the law is explicit on the independence of trade unions, warning that neither the state government nor the House of Assembly has powers to appoint or elect union officers.

“This constitutes gross interference in the affairs of trade unions and a violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the NLC declared.

The Congress advised the Edo Assembly to redirect its attention to its core duties rather than meddling in labour affairs, even as it said that the resolution of the Edo Assembly “goes to no issue and is of no effect whatsoever,” insisting that labour leadership matters can only be determined by workers and not external political interference.

“The State House of Assembly in light of this is advised to focus on its legislative duties including securing its independence instead of dabbling into jurisdictions over which it has no oversight,” Upah stated.