TUC Expels 11 Members, Suspends 14 Officers Over Alleged Misconduct
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has expelled 11 officers and members while suspending 14 others over alleged disobedience to resolutions and decisions of its National Executive Council.
The disciplinary actions were announced at the end of an emergency NEC meeting held on Monday in Lagos.
Speaking during a media briefing, TUC President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the sanctions followed the report of a disciplinary committee set up on April 27 to investigate allegations of misconduct within the congress.
According to Osifo, the committee was mandated to examine cases involving “flagrant disobedience” by members, officers, and affiliate bodies, ensure fair hearings for all affected individuals, and recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary.
He explained that the committee submitted its report within 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,” Osifo said.
The expelled members were identified as Abiodun Aladetan, Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, Salau Oladele, Josiah Udoka, Emmanuel Onumbu, June Danangogo, Ben Asogwa, Simeon Akaeme, Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe, and Fefegha Edwin.
Osifo stated that the affected individuals had ceased to be members, officers, representatives, or functionaries of the congress 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.
The TUC also directed the expelled members to surrender all congress property in their possession, including documents, records, identity cards, official stamps, and financial instruments.
Osifo further warned employers, government agencies, labour centres, institutions, and the public against recognising or dealing with the expelled persons as representatives of the congress.
In a related development, the congress suspended 14 officers from the Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa state councils for two years with immediate effect.
Those suspended include 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 TUC president-general said the suspended officers would no longer function in any official capacity during the suspension period and would be barred from representing or speaking on behalf of the congress, as well as participating in official meetings or elections.
Osifo reaffirmed that discipline remained essential to the survival, stability, and integrity of the organisation.
He urged affiliates, state councils, officers, and members to respect the constitution of the congress, obey decisions of its organs, and prioritise the collective interest of the organisation above personal ambitions.