National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has disowned alleged unilateral resignation of one of its member, Comrade Mike Ochei from the Caretaker Committee set up by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to resolve the crisis in the state council to pave the way for elections into the state leadership of the Congress.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna over the issue, the General Secretary of NUTGTWN, Comrade Ali Baba, said officials of the Textile Union were shocked about Ochei resignation from the caretaker committee, claiming that he was coerced into the committee.
“This press conference is therefore to further reiterate that the leadership of the union was neither consulted nor carried along by Comrade Mike Ochei before his resignation from the Edo State NLC caretaker committee. The resignation was a unilateral action, and it does not represent the position of our union. We, therefore, strongly condemn his action. It runs contrary to the democratic traditions, collective spirit, and organizational discipline that guide our union. We completely dissociate ourselves from it.
“As a union, we tender our unreserved apology to the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). We remain firmly loyal to and supportive of the leadership of the NLC under Comrade Joe Ajaero. We equally reaffirm our full support for the Edo State Caretaker Committee of the NLC as duly constituted by the National Secretariat.
“The caretaker committee remains the legitimate organ mandated to reposition and strengthen the NLC in Edo State, and we urge all affiliates and comrades including our members in Edo state to rally behind it.
“As a proud affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), we stand unshaken in our commitment to the unity and progress of the Nigeria Labour Congress. We shall continue to work with the national leadership and all state councils to defend the rights of workers, to advance decent work, and to promote the welfare of the Nigerian working people. We assure the leadership of the NLC and the caretaker committee in Edo State of our total cooperation and unwavering support.
“This press conference is in response to the development in Edo State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and in particular, the resignation of our union’s representative, Comrade Mike Ochei from the Caretaker Committee set up by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress to resolve the crisis in the state council to pave the way for elections into the state leadership of the Congress.
“Last weekend, the media was awashed with news of the resignation of Comrade Mike Ochei from the Professor Monday Igbafen led Caretaker Committee of NLC, Edo State. Comrade Ochei is the Chairman of the Edo State Tailors. A chapter of our union. He was duly informed before he was nominated to serve in the NLC State Caretaker Committee which was inaugurated by the national body on August 28. He also freely accepted his nomination and have been participating in the activities of the Committee.
“We were therefore shocked when our attention was drawn to media reports on Sunday 14th September about his resignation from the caretaker committee and purported claim that he was coerced into the committee. The development created serious disaffection within and outside the movement capable of tarnishing the image of our union. Consequently, we convened an emergency meeting of the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) where it was resolved that the Edo State Executive committee of the union should be dissolved forthwith.
“The Deputy General Secretary of the Union was promptly sent to Benin City to meet with the NLC State Caretaker Committee with a view of tendering the union’s apology and reaffirming the union’s loyalty to the NLC and the Caretaker Committee. He was also to meet with our union members in the State, jointly address press conference and subsequently dissolve the state executive till further notice.
“As we speak, the Edo state executive of our union has been placed on indefinite suspension. The leadership of the union is further investigating the role played by individuals including the reported assault on some journalists for severe disciplinary measures”. Baba said.
