By Peace Udugba.
The Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House in Benin City, was sealed by police operatives on Thursday.
The main gate of the University of Benin was also heavily guarded by security personnel, with a police armoured carrier stationed nearby. Some suspected thugs were seen loitering around the premises.
The heavy security presence was reportedly to prevent the scheduled inauguration of the Edo NLC Caretaker Committee. However, the event was relocated and successfully held at another venue in Benin City, where Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in as chairman.
Some labour leaders from neighbouring states, who had arrived to witness the event, expressed disappointment over their inability to access the secretariat.
Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union told journalists he was embarrassed after being denied entry, questioning why the police would barricade a union building over a matter that should be handled internally.
