From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Two factions of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have expressed divergent opinions on today’s celebration of Worker’s Day, popularly known as May Day celebrated yearly on May 1.
One of the factions led by Professor Monday Igbafen as Chairman, Caretaker Committee, in a statement, contended that while “other state councils of the NLC across the federation may, perhaps, find reason to roll out drums on May Day, labour environment in Edo today cannot and must not inspire celebration. For how can a divided people ever be joyful?”
He said: “Genuine labour leaders and true workers have resolved to stay indoors to mourn in silence, the present travails of labour in our state. Let the public be rescued from this deception.
“Let it be known that today’s assembly is powered neither by the legitimate leadership of the NLC in Edo State, nor by the National Leadership of Congress. Those behind it are usurpers and hijackers of the Edo State Council of the NLC.
“The Edo NLC is in a quagmire. We are locked in struggle against the combined forces of reactionaries, impostors, self-imposed leaders, political collaborators and labour aristocrats. Every genuine effort to reposition this Council has been met with repression. Yet, we are not in despair. The struggle continues.
“Therefore, let the record reflect this truth: No pretentious May Day organised, engineered and bankrolled by compradors can ever keep alive the glorious philosophy of May Day.
“To the public and especially to every well-meaning worker in Edo State, we say: Do not be deceived. The gathering scheduled at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, is no true reflection of May Day. It is a hoax,” Igbafen stated.
But the other faction of NLC led by Bernard Egwakide dismissed Igbafen’s claim, describing him as an unknown entity to the Edo workers.
“The name you just mentioned is unknown to me and Edo workers in general. Edo NLC is one, so I am not aware of what you are talking about and I don’t know the name you just mentioned.
“Edo workers are going out today to mark May Day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the governor is our chief host. So, I cannot join you to be talking about someone unknown to Edo workers,” Egwakide said, while reacting to Igbafen’s statement.
