The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expelled 11 officers and members and suspended 14 others over alleged disobedience to resolutions and decisions of its National Executive Council (NEC).
The decisions were taken at the end of an emergency NEC meeting held on Monday in Lagos.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, TUC President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the disciplinary measures were based on the report of a committee set up on April 27 to investigate acts of misconduct within the congress.
Osifo explained that the committee was mandated to review cases of “flagrant disobedience” by members, officers and affiliates, give fair hearing to those involved, and recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary.
He said the committee submitted its report within the stipulated seven working days, after which the NEC deliberated extensively on its findings and recommendations.
“Those expelled from the congress include four members from the Lagos State Council, three from Rivers State Council, three from Enugu State Council and one from Bayelsa State Council,” he said.
The expelled members are: Mr. Abiodun Aladetan, Mr. Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, Mr. Salau Oladele, Josiah Udoka, Mr. Emmanuel Onumbu, Mr. June Danangogo, Mr. Ben Asogwa, Mr. Simeon Akaeme, Mr. Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe and Fefegha Edwin.
Osifo stated that the expelled persons have immediately ceased to be members, officers, representatives or functionaries of the TUC in any capacity.
“They are barred from representing the congress, participating in its activities, issuing statements in its name or using its insignia and other official materials,” he added.
He directed the affected persons to immediately hand over all TUC property in their possession, including documents, records, identity cards, official stamps and financial instruments.
Osifo also warned employers, government agencies, labour centres and the general public against recognising or dealing with the expelled persons as representatives of the congress.
Similarly, the TUC suspended 14 officers from the Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa State Councils for a period of two years with immediate effect.
The suspended officers are: Martins Adesanoye, Idoka John, Nnamdi Cosmos, Jacob Idakwo, Enemotimi Allen, Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, Tupere Diekedie, Gita Peremobowei, Okunobo Patrick Elliot, Celestine Ondyima, Mabel Tabowei, Matina Sokebolou and Dr. Julius Laye.
The President-General said the suspended officers must cease to function in any official capacity within the TUC during the period of suspension and would not represent, act for, speak on behalf of, or participate in official meetings or elections of the congress.
Osifo reaffirmed that discipline remains indispensable to the survival, stability and integrity of the organisation.
He urged all affiliates, state councils, officers and members to respect the constitution of the congress, obey decisions of its organs and place the collective interest of the organisation above personal ambitions.
