The Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Council, has denied allegations that it is aligned with any faction in the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the union in the state.

It also dismissed claims that the five-man committee, led by Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, is opposed to the Edo State Government.

In a statement issued in Benin City after a meeting with 14 affiliate unions, Prof. Igbafen assured the state government of constructive labour relations that would benefit employers, workers, and the government.

He appealed to aggrieved members of the union to embrace peace, genuine reconciliation, and comradeship in order to reposition the NLC in Edo State.

The caretaker committee chairman commended the national leadership of the NLC, led by Comrade Joe Ajaero, for its support and commitment to reforming the Edo State council. He also praised the leadership of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) for its decisive role in addressing the controversy surrounding the resignation of Comrade Mike Ochei from the committee.

Reaffirming its commitment to the mandate given by the national body, the caretaker committee pledged to restore peace and order in the state NLC and prepare the ground for credible elections.

At the meeting, the affiliate unions passed a vote of confidence on the caretaker committee, commending its efforts to restore the dignity, principles, and ethos of the labour movement in Edo State.

Unions present included the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Employees (NUBIFIE), among others.