NLC stops Employees’ Day fanfare in Rivers, Edo

The Nigeria Labour Congress has cancelled centralised Might Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers and alleged political interference within the affairs of its Edo State council.

The nationwide management of the NLC has directed all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to organise and restrict Employees’ Day celebrations to the state NLC secretariat.

Equally, unions in Edo State are to commemorate the day independently at their respective union secretariats.

The directive was issued in separate letters dated April 22, 2025, to the NLC chairmen in each states.

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The letters have been signed by the Deputy Basic Secretary of the NLC, Ismail Bello.

The NLC opposes the emergency rule in Rivers State, which concerned appointing a sole administrator, and referred to as for the reinstatement of the elected authorities.

In Edo State, the NLC is at odds with the present administration over alleged interference and the creation of factions throughout the state council.

Within the letter to Rivers State NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor, the NLC acknowledged, “Consistent with our custom, Employees’ Day will probably be commemorated on Might 1, 2025. This 12 months, congress has finalised preparations to mark the day with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Area amid Financial Hardship,’ to be noticed throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Nonetheless, given the peculiar circumstances surrounding the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers State, the event calls not for fanfare, however for essential reflection on the necessity to restore democratic governance and prioritise the individuals in management.

“As a democratic organisation, we should use this event to name for the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State. Subsequently, you’re directed to organise a peaceable rally throughout the premises of the Rivers State Council of the NLC, involving all affiliate members.

“The rally ought to embody messages advocating democratic governance, improved welfare for staff, and the individuals’s craving for freedom and liberty.”

In the same letter to its Edo State Chairman, Olaye Odion, the NLC amongst others wrote, “Given ongoing efforts to resolve the disaster throughout the NLC Edo State council and to result in unity amongst associates, you’re directed to tell all associates to make impartial preparations to commemorate the 2025 Might Day at their respective union places of work.

“We guarantee you that congress will proceed its efforts to resolve the disaster as quickly as doable and urge all members to make sure a peaceable and hitch-free Might Day celebration.”

Recall that the Edo State Authorities and NLC have had a frosty relationship as a result of authorities’s rejection of Odion’s management of the state NLC following perceived political feedback within the lead-up to final 12 months’s governorship election.

The federal government reportedly expressed unwillingness to work with Odion and was accused of engineering factional divisions throughout the state council.

Makes an attempt by the nationwide management of the NLC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to mediate have been allegedly rebuffed by the Edo State Authorities.

Regardless of repeated pleas from the NLC to deal with the matter internally as an impartial physique, no progress has been made.