Dare Babalola
The Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, in Benin City have been sealed by police operatives in the state.
The main gate of the University of Benin was also heavily guarded by police personnel, with some suspected thugs seen loitering around the secretariat. A police armoured personnel carrier was deployed to the area.
The heavy security presence was reportedly aimed at preventing the inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo NLC.
However, the inauguration still took place at a different venue in Benin City, where Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in.
Some NLC leaders from neighboring states who were scheduled to attend the inauguration expressed regret at being unable to access the secretariat due to the security presence.
Speaking to newsmen, Comrade Augustine Igben from the Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed when he was not allowed entry into the Edo Labour House, questioning why the police were barricading the building when it was a labour issue that should be settled internally.
