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Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, Delta State NLC Chairman.By our Reporter

The Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the state government of an imminent showdown over a directive by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Kingsley Emu, stopping security agencies from recognizing the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN).

Rising from an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Asaba on September 17, 2025, and presided over by its Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, the Congress condemned what it described as an attempt to delegitimize a duly recognized union and criminalize its members.

The communique, signed by NLC State Secretary, Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat, noted that the SSG’s letter had emboldened security operatives to harass, intimidate, and arrest members of MOUN across the state.

While clarifying that it does not support recklessness or lawlessness on the part of transport workers, the Congress stressed that the fundamental rights of union members must not be trampled upon.

“The rights of duly recognized unions must be respected,” the communique read. “The directive of the SSG to security agencies is not only prejudicial but also unconstitutional. It has resulted in harassment and unnecessary arrests of law-abiding workers.”

The labour body warned that continued intimidation of MOUN members could trigger an avoidable confrontation between the state government and the organized labour movement. It therefore called for an immediate halt to the harassment of motorcycle operators and reaffirmed its recognition of MOUN as a legitimate union operating within Delta State.

The SEC commended its Chairman, Comrade Ofobruku, for taking proactive steps to defend workers’ rights and vowed to meet soonest to review the situation, if the intimidation persists.

While reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement and industrial harmony, the Congress stressed that it would not compromise on the rights, dignity, and welfare of workers in both the formal and informal sectors.

Below is full text of the communique

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EMERGENCY STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (SEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), DELTA STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THE 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025

The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, convened an emergency meeting, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the welfare of workers in the state. After extensive discussions, the SEC-in-session resolved as follows:

1. Commendation to the State Government on Pension Matters
The SEC-in-session heartily appreciates the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his proactive step in releasing N10 billion towards the payment of pensioners. This gesture demonstrates government’s commitment to the welfare of retirees who have dedicated their active years to the service of the state. The Congress nevertheless urged the state government to go the extra mile to clear backlogs of arrears.

2. Public Service Dress Code
SEC-in-session rejects the circular letter no. HOS.30/17/15 dated 10th September 2025 issued by the Office of the Head of Service in its entirety and reaffirms that the extant Public Service Rules remain the guiding document on the issue of decent dressing within the public service.

SEC-in-session therefore unanimously agreed that workers should avoid dressing indecently or shabbily in the discharge of their official duties.

The Nigeria Labour Congress calls for a review of the prescribed specifics on dressing to ensure clarity, fairness, and practicality across all cadres of the service and urged stakeholders to always consult the leadership of the NLC before reaching resolutions affecting workers in the state.

SEC-in-session demands that wardrobe allowance should be paid to all categories of workers to dress decently and appropriately, as is done for Law Officers, Protocol Officers, and staff of the House of Assembly.

3. On Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN)
SEC-in-session unanimously recognized the existence of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) in Delta State and condemned the reported harassment of its members.

While labour does not support lawlessness or recklessness, it insists that the rights of duly recognized unions must be respected. It condemned the letter the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) wrote to the Police and the Army, asking them not to recognize MOUN, which has led to harassment, intimidation, and unnecessary arrests of MOUN members in Delta State.

SEC-in-session therefore calls for an immediate halt to the harassment of members of the association, warning that continued intimidation may place Government and Labour on an avoidable collision course. SEC-in-session resolved to meet soonest to review the situation of things.

The SEC-in-session commended the Chairman of Congress, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, for the proactive steps taken so far and urged him to continue to take actions in the defense of the rights of the workers at all times.

SEC-in-session reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagements, industrial harmony, and the overall progress of Delta State, while standing firm in defending the rights, dignity, and welfare of workers and pensioners.

SIGNED BY
Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat – NLC Secretary