Heavily armed police operatives on Wednesday sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), popularly known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, to stop the inauguration of the union’s Caretaker Committee.
Naijaonpoint reports that the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was also manned by security personnel, while an armoured personnel carrier was stationed at the Labour House. Witnesses said suspected thugs were seen loitering around the secretariat.
Despite the security blockade, the inauguration eventually took place at another venue in Benin City, where Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in as the Caretaker Chairman.
It was learnt that NLC leaders had initially gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat for the inauguration, but called it off at the location after receiving security reports.
Some labour leaders from neighbouring states, who had planned to attend the inauguration at the Labour House, lamented being denied access to the venue.
According to The Nation, Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union expressed dismay at the police action, describing it as unnecessary.
He said, “I felt embarrassed about the whole thing. How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war? It is a Labour issue. They should allow Labour settle the issues themselves.
“I was not allowed entry. Where am I going to pass through? There were lots of security men, and I also saw some civilians mixed up with them.”
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