NLC to Edo assembly: Stop meddling in union affairs, you lack powers to decide labour leadership

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly asking that Bernard Egwahide continue as chairperson of its state council.

Benson Upah, acting general secretary of the NLC, in a statement on Wednesday, described the lawmakers’ position as “ignorant and unlawful.”

Upah said Egwahide was never elected as chairperson, adding that Odion Olaye was the duly elected leader until his tenure was disrupted midway by Governor Okpehbolo’s interference.

“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 said.

He noted that even if Olaye’s removal were valid, succession rules under labour law were clear.

“The next in line of succession pending election ought not be the auditor but the vice chairperson or other ranking executives,” he said.

The NLC questioned the involvement of the state government in Egwahide’s emergence.

“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.

The Congress further reminded the Edo assembly that labour matters are listed in the exclusive legislative list of the constitution and fall strictly within the federal government’s purview.

“Labour matters are on the exclusive legislative list and not within the remit of the state house of assembly to legislate on,” Upah said.

He added that trade unions are independent by law, warning that neither the state government nor lawmakers have powers to appoint or elect officers for them.

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

The NLC urged the assembly to focus on its legislative duties and safeguard its own independence rather than meddle in union matters.