Omotayo Adigun
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the cancellation of centralised Workers’ Day (May Day) celebrations in Rivers and Edo states for 2025, citing distinct issues of political interference and the imposition of emergency rule.
In Rivers State, the NLC’s national leadership has directed all affiliated industrial unions to organise and confine their May Day activities to the state NLC secretariat. This decision is a direct response to the recently imposed emergency rule in the state, which involved the appointment of a sole administrator, a move the NLC vehemently opposes and has called for the reversal of, demanding the reinstatement of the democratically elected government.
The directive to the Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, outlined that while the national theme for this year’s Workers’ Day is “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” the situation in Rivers State necessitates a more somber reflection.
The NLC emphasized the need to use the occasion to advocate for the restoration of democratic governance, improved worker welfare, and the people’s desire for freedom and liberty.
The planned peaceful rally within the NLC secretariat is expected to involve all affiliate members, with messages centered on these critical issues.
Sources within Rivers State indicate that labour leaders have welcomed this directive, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in the state has reportedly expressed its willingness to join the NLC for a unified celebration at the NLC secretariat.
In Edo State, a similar directive has been issued to the state NLC Chairman, Olaye Odion. However, the reason for cancelling the centralised celebration in Edo stems from ongoing efforts to resolve a crisis within the state NLC council, allegedly fueled by political interference from the state administration.
The national body has instructed all affiliates in Edo State to make independent arrangements for May Day commemorations at their respective union offices to foster unity amidst the internal challenges. The NLC assured its Edo affiliates of continued efforts to resolve the crisis swiftly and urged a peaceful celebration.
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Adding to the complexity in Edo State, the NLC has dismissed as fraudulent an unauthorized circular purportedly issued by an individual claiming to be the “Acting State Secretary” of the NLC Edo State Council. This circular had directed workers to attend a Governor’s parade on May 1st.
The NLC categorically stated that its earlier directive for independent union-level celebrations remains valid and that there is no officially recognized “Acting State Secretary.” The individual behind the circular is deemed an impostor with questionable motives, and workers have been urged to disregard the document.
The NLC reiterated that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is not recognized as the Chairman of the NLC in Edo State and emphasized that May Day is a workers’ event, not a government parade, with no compulsion for attendance or threat of sanctions for non-participation.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the Edo State Council crisis and defending the independence of trade unions from external interference.
The genesis of the problem in Edo State lies in the reportedly frosty relationship between the state government and the NLC following the government’s rejection of Olaye Odion’s leadership due to perceived political comments prior to the last governorship election. The government has been accused of fostering divisions within the state NLC council, and attempts at mediation by the national NLC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment were allegedly rebuffed.
Despite advice from the Ministry of Labour and Employment against interfering in the affairs of the independent labour body, the situation remains unresolved.
An NLC official indicated that the cancellation of the centralised May Day celebration in Edo was a precautionary measure to avoid potential clashes similar to past incidents in other states.