The Edo State House of Assembly has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to suspend the planned inauguration of a caretaker committee for the state chapter. This follows a motion adopted during a plenary session on Tuesday, urging the national leadership to shelve the inauguration in the interest of peace and harmonious relations.
According to the Majority Leader, Hon. Ibhamawu Jonathan Aigbokhan, a change in leadership could trigger labour unrest, potentially throwing the state into an industrial crisis. He advised that the current leadership, headed by Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide, should be allowed to function until the end of their tenure. The Edo State government was also encouraged to continue recognising Egwakhide’s leadership.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Addeh Isibor and Hon. Andrew Edobor Uzamere, supported the motion. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku later cautioned those parading themselves as members of the caretaker committee to resist attempts to destabilise the state. He appealed to Ajaero to maintain peace in Edo State and warned against using individuals to destabilise the state.
The development comes after the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, announced the inauguration of the caretaker committee, scheduled for August 28, 2025. The decision followed the dissolution of the Edo State Administrative Council and the constitution of a caretaker committee to oversee the union’s affairs pending fresh elections.
The Edo State House of Assembly’s appeal aims to prevent potential labour unrest and maintain industrial harmony in the state. The situation highlights the need for careful management of labour relations to avoid disruptions to the state’s economic and social activities. As the deadline for the inauguration approaches, it remains to be seen how the NLC will respond to the assembly’s appeal and whether a resolution can be reached to maintain peace and stability in the state.
