The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) appears deeply divided over the upcoming Workers' Day, commonly known as May Day, which is celebrated annually on May 1st. A faction led by Professor Monday Igbafen has called on workers to boycott the event, while another faction insists the celebration will proceed as planned.
Caretaker Committee Urges Boycott
Professor Monday Igbafen, who identifies himself as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo NLC, issued a statement arguing that the labour environment in Edo State is not conducive for celebration. He noted that while other state councils may find reason to celebrate, the division within Edo's labour movement cannot inspire joy. Igbafen declared that genuine labour leaders and true workers have resolved to stay indoors to mourn the current travails of labour in the state.
He further alleged that the planned assembly at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City is not powered by the legitimate leadership of the NLC in Edo State or by the National Leadership of Congress. He described those behind the event as usurpers and hijackers of the Edo State Council of the NLC. Igbafen stated that the Edo NLC is locked in a struggle against reactionaries, impostors, self-imposed leaders, political collaborators, and labour aristocrats, and that every genuine effort to reposition the council has been met with repression.
Warning to Workers
Igbafen cautioned the public and well-meaning workers not to be deceived by what he called a pretentious May Day organized and bankrolled by compradors. He emphasized that such an event could never keep alive the glorious philosophy of May Day and described the gathering as a hoax.
Factional Chairman Dismisses Claims
In a telephone interview with The Guardian, Comrade Bernard Egwakide, who claims to be the factional Chairman of the Edo NLC, dismissed Igbafen's statements outright. Egwakide described Igbafen as an unknown entity to Edo workers. He stated that the name Igbafen is not known to him or to Edo workers in general, asserting that the Edo NLC is united.
Egwakide confirmed that Edo workers would go out to mark May Day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with the governor as the chief host. He declined to engage further on the topic, reiterating that Igbafen is unknown to the labour movement in Edo State.
