Politics

NLC industrial action paralyses commercial activities in Edo

Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City has shifted its two judgements scheduled to Thursday, following the commencement of a 2-day warning industrial action embarked upon by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress which crippled banking, judicial and other activities in the State.

The Hon Justice O.A. Chijioke led election tribunal II, was scheduled to deliver judgement in the petition filed by Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Candidate in the February 25 general election, Mr. Okhuarobo Henry Osamuede, against Mr. Omoruyi Murphy Osaro of the Labour Party (LP).

Also, the tribunal was expected to deliver judgement In the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Candidate in the election, Eribo Crosby Osadolor against the Labour Party candidate Murphy Omoruyi Imasuen.

Commercial banks, Guinness, 7Up bottling plant, Central Park, state Secretariats, Central Hospital and other facilities were not let out as they were also shut down by the protesting NLC members who were led by the State Chairman, Comrade Odion Olaye.

Speaking to journalists while enforcing the strike order at the State High Court in Benin with other union members, said the strike is total.

According to him; “The two days warning strike commences today (Tuesday). You can see things for yourself. We are in the state high court and we have shut it down. State Secretariat, Central Hospital, Coca-cola, Guinness, 7Up have been shut down.

“In fact all government parastatals have been shutdown including the transport sector. There are compliance”.

Olaye said that the NLC doesn’t need the support of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to be able to send its messages to the federal government and cause the needed change as it has the numerical strength to do just that.

“TUC are not with us. They are on their own and we are not working with them on this two-day warning strike.

“TUC, we don’t even count on them. They only have eight unions while NLC has 42 unions and so we are working with that and all the areas that are supposed to be shut down have been shut down.

“Anyone that does not comply with the strike action, a proper action will be taken against them,” Olaye said.

A visit by the Nigerian Tribune to the state Secretariats saw workers milling around while others were seen in clusters probably discussing the effects of the two days warning strike may have on the state’s economy.

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