The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State appears divided over the 2025 May Day celebrations, following conflicting directives issued to workers.
While the national leadership of the NLC instructed members of its Edo State chapter to independently commemorate May Day at their respective union offices, another directive emerged, asking workers to participate in a parade organized by the state government on May 1, 2025.
In a statement signed by the NLC’s Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello, the national body urged workers to disregard any instruction to attend the government-sponsored parade.
The statement read: “The attention of the labour movement has been drawn to a duplicitous and unauthorized circular issued by an individual claiming to be the ‘Acting State Secretary’ of the NLC Edo State Council, directing workers to attend a Governor’s parade on May 1, 2025.
“We categorically state that our earlier directive issued on April 22, 2025, remains valid. Affiliates in Edo State are to commemorate the 2025 May Day independently in their respective union offices, in line with Congress’s efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state council.”
The NLC further clarified that there is no recognized position of “Acting State Secretary” within its Edo State structure, describing the individual behind the new circular as an impostor with questionable motives.
“We urge workers and the public to disregard this fraudulent document,” the statement continued. “He neither works for the NLC nor represents the interest of workers.”
The NLC also dismissed claims that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is the Chairman of its Edo State council, stating that any official changes in the council’s leadership would be formally communicated to the public and relevant stakeholders.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the leadership crisis in its Edo State council and ensuring a united, worker-focused May Day celebration.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
