TUC raises sledge hammer, expels 11 members, suspends 15

All seems not well within the Trade Union Congress (TUC), one of Nigeria’s two labour centres, as the body has cracked down on some members, expelling 11, and suspending 15 for what it termed “flagrant disobedience.”

According to a communique issued at the end of TUC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lagos on Monday, and signed by Festus Osifo, president, and N.A.Toro, general secretary, respectively, the decision to suspend the members followed recommendations made by a disciplinary committee earlier constituted to look into their alleged action, which were unanimously endorsed by the NEC.

Members expelled from the Lagos Council of the TUC include Abiodun Aladetan – ASCSN; Gbolahan Kabiawu – NUAH; Veronica Egbukichi – ATSSSAN; and Salau Oladele – SSAUSCGOC.
Those expelled from the Rivers State Council are Josiah Udoka – ASCSN; Emmanuel Onumbu – ASCSN; June Danangogo – ASCSN.

Those from Enugu State Council include Ben Asogwa – NUAHP; Simeon Ejikemen Akaeme – ASUSS, and Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe – ASCSN, while Fefegha Muneneyi Edwin – NUAHP, was expelled from the Bayelsa Council.

“Consequent upon their expulsion, the above-named persons cease forthwith to be members, officers, representatives or functionaries of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in any capacity whatsoever.
Accordingly, they are barred from representing, acting for, speaking on behalf of, or holding themselves out as officers, members or representatives of TUC at any meeting, election, negotiation, engagement, public function, media appearance or official assignment” the congress said in the communique.

Asides those expelled, the TUC also suspended 15 members for two years. Those affected from the Lagos Council include Martins Adesanoye – CCESSA, and Idoka John – NMNWOTSSA

From the Rivers Council are Nnamdi Cosmos, and Jacob Simon Idakwo, while Enemotimi Allen was suspended from the Bayelsa State Council.

Other suspended officers include Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, Tupere Diekedie, Gita Matthew Peremobowei, and Okunobo Patrick Elliot.
Others are Celestine Ondyima, Mabel Tabowei, Matina Sokebolou, and Julius Laye.

“During the period of suspension, the affected officers shall cease to function in any official capacity within TUC. They shall not represent, act for, speak on behalf of, participate in official meetings or elections of, or use the name, logo, letterhead, seal, insignia, documents or any other property of TUC,” the NEC resolved in their communique.