Textile Workers’ Union Dissolves Edo Executive, Suspends Activities Over Alleged Insubordination

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) has dissolved its Edo State Executive Committee and suspended all union activities in the state indefinitely over alleged insubordination and disregard for directives from the union’s national leadership.

The decision was reached by the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) during its meeting on July 18, following a review of a seminar organised by the Edo State leadership in Benin City on July 16.

In a letter dated July 20 and signed by the union’s General Secretary, Ali Baba, the NUTGTWN accused the dissolved executive, led by the Edo State Chairman, Decency Ochie, of recognising an individual claiming to be the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State despite the existence of an NLC Caretaker Committee recognised by the national leadership.

According to the union, the Edo chapter ignored previous warnings and directives from the National Secretariat by inviting and according official recognition to the individual during the seminar.

“The NAC observed with grave concern that, despite previous warnings and clear directives from the National Secretariat, you deliberately invited and accorded recognition to the individual claiming to be the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Edo State,” the letter stated.

The union described the action as a clear act of insubordination capable of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

As a result, the NAC announced the immediate dissolution of the Edo State Executive Committee and ordered the indefinite suspension of all union activities in the state until further notice.

It also directed that members of the dissolved executive should cease representing or acting on behalf of the union in any capacity pending further directives from the National Secretariat.

The NUTGTWN said the Nigeria Labour Congress and other relevant stakeholders had been notified of the decision for necessary action.

Reaffirming its commitment to discipline, the union said it would not tolerate actions capable of undermining the decisions of its leadership or tarnishing its image.