Police operatives on Thursday sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), popularly known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, preventing activities from holding at the venue.
According to The Nation, it was reported that even at the University of Benin main gate, police presence was visibly reinforced, while at the NLC secretariat, suspected thugs were spotted loitering around as a police armoured personnel carrier was stationed at the premises.
“The heavy security at the Labour House and the UNIBEN main gate were to bar inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo NLC,” the report stated.
However, the inauguration was held at another venue in Benin City and Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn-in.
“It was gathered that NLC leaders had gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat for the inauguration but put it off due to security report.”
“Some NLC leaders from neighbouring states scheduled to attend the inauguration, at the Labour House, expressed regret that they could not access the secretariat.”
Comrade Augustine Igben from the Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed when he was not allowed entry into the Edo Labour House.
He said: “I felt embarrassed about tbe whole thing. How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war. It is Labour issue. They should allow Labour settle the issues themselves.
The comrade said he was denied entry, wondering how he could gain access with “heavy security everywhere”, and added that he noticed some civilians mingling among the officers.
