The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed a resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly urging the Congress to allow Bernard Jormah Egwahide complete his tenure as Chairperson of the Edo State Council of the NLC, describing it as “ignorant” and an “unwarranted interference” in trade union affairs.
In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said the resolution amounted to “gross overreach” as labour matters are on the Exclusive Legislative List and therefore outside the purview of state legislatures.
“The law is clear. Neither the state government nor the State House of Assembly is vested with powers to appoint or elect officers for the Congress. This constitutes gross interference in the affairs of trade unions and a violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” Upah said.
The NLC clarified that Bernard Jormah Egwahide was not elected as Council Chairperson. According to the Congress, Odion Olaye was the duly elected leader of the Edo Council before his tenure was “unlawfully” truncated midway by Governor Okpehbolo. The union stressed that in line with labour law, one of the vice chairpersons — not the council auditor — should have stepped in as acting leader pending fresh elections.
“How come the Auditor (the least in rank) and not any of the ranking executives is being imposed by the Governor of Edo State?” the statement queried.
The Congress urged the Edo State House of Assembly to focus on its constitutional duties and safeguard its independence instead of meddling in matters outside its jurisdiction.
“The resolution goes to no issue and is of no effect whatsoever,” the NLC declared.
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