The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has spoken out strongly against the Edo State government, accusing the governor of threatening civil servants ahead of the 2025 Workers’ Day (May Day) celebration.
In a video that was shared by SYMFONI TV from 3.04, During a press briefing, Ajaero explained that the NLC has had good relationships with previous governors in Edo State, who went above the national minimum wage to support workers. He praised former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who paid N25,000 when the national minimum wage was N18,000. He also commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for raising wages to N70,000 in April 2024, even before the federal government made its decision.
However, Ajaero criticized the current administration under Governor Monday Okpebholo. He claimed the governor is trying to control how May Day is celebrated in the state.
According to Ajaero, the governor issued threats to workers, warning that anyone who doesn’t attend the celebration could lose their job. He also allegedly said that the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) of union offices may be revoked, and he ordered all permanent secretaries to attend. “He’s Threatening that he’s going to revoke the CofO of Union Offices in Edo, he’s going to sack workers that won’t come, all permanent secretaries should come,” he said.
“Is May Day a governor’s event? Why is he trying to run it for us?” Ajaero questioned. “He is not the one who organizes unions.”
The NLC president warned that the union could cancel May Day celebrations if things continue this way. We’ve given him enough chances. He shouldn’t try this again, Ajaero said firmly.
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