By FLORENCE ONUEGBU

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expelled 11 officers and members, suspending 14 others over alleged disobedience to resolutions and decisions of its National Executive Council (NEC).

The decisions were taken at the end of the emergency NEC meeting of the congress held on Monday in Lagos.

Reiterating the decision during a media briefing, TUC President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, said that the disciplinary measures followed the report of a committee constituted on April 27, to investigate acts of misconduct within the congress.

Osifo said that the disciplinary committee was mandated to review cases of “flagrant disobedience” by members, officers and affiliates, provide fair hearing to affected persons and recommend appropriate sanctions where culpability was established.

He said that the committee submitted its report within the stipulated seven working days, after which the council 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.

“The affected members are Mr Abiodun Aladetan, Mr Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, Mr Salau Oladele, Josiah Udoka, Mr Emmanuel Onumbu, Mr June Danangogo, Mr Ben Asogwa, Mr Simeon Akaeme, Mr Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe and Fefegha Edwin.

“The expelled persons ceased immediately to be members, officers, representatives or functionaries of the TUC 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,” the president-general said.

He also directed the affected persons to hand over all congress property in their possession, including documents, records, identity cards, official stamps and financial instruments.

Osifo further warned employers, institutions, government agencies, labour centres and the public against recognising or dealing with the expelled persons as representatives of the congress.

Similarly, TUC suspended 14 officers from Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa councils for a period of two years with immediate effect.

Those suspended were Martins Adesanoye, Idoka John, Nnamdi Cosmos, Jacob Idakwo, Enemotimi Allen, Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, and Tupere Diekedie.

Others included Gita Peremobowei, Okunobo Patrick Elliot, Celestine Ondyima, Mabel Tabowei, Matina Sokebolou and Dr Julius Laye.

The president-general said that the suspended officers would cease to function in any official capacity within the TUC during the suspension period.

He said that they would not represent, act for, speak on behalf of or participate in official meetings or elections of the congress.

Osifo reaffirmed that discipline remained indispensable to the survival, stability and integrity of the organisation.

He urged all affiliates, state councils, officers and members to respect the constitution of the congress, obey decisions of its organs and place the collective interest of the organisation above personal ambitions. (NAN)

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