By Sadiq Umar, Abuja.
The 11th National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday ended abruptly as aggrieved members turned violent over alleged foul play in the handling of the union’s election.
The Unionists had gathered since Tuesday, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja to elect new leaders for the NLC following the expiration of tenure of its current executives.
However, midway into the election, angry delegates in the election hijack, and smash ballot boxes being used to elect incoming leaders of the organisation.
The police took over the venue and delegates were sent away, ostensibly to protect the facility from being vandalised.
Three candidates had put themselves forward for the post of National President, but the number was reduced to two following the withdrawal of National President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Igwe Achese, who stepped down for the General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero.
Those jostling for the post of National President include: the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Ayuba Wabba; the General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero and the National President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Igwe Achese.
The Labour leaders later reconvened at the NLC headquarters in the Central Business District of Abuja for a meeting on the way forward from the logjam.
