Trouble is brewing inside Nigeria's Trade Union Congress. The labour body has taken disciplinary action against 26 members in total.
Eleven members face expulsion for what TUC calls "flagrant disobedience." Another 15 have been handed two-year suspensions.
TUC announced the decisions after its National Executive Council met in Lagos on Monday. The meeting was held to ratify recommendations from a disciplinary committee.
Festus Osifo, the TUC president, and N.A. Toro, general secretary, signed off on the communique.
Both officials endorsed the NEC's unanimous decision.
Among those expelled from the Lagos Council are Abiodun Aladetan of ASCSN and Gbolahan Kabiawu of NUAH. Veronica Egbukichi from ATSSSAN and Salau Oladele of SSAUSCGOC also lost their membership.
Rivers State Council saw three members expelled. They are Josiah Udoka, Emmanuel Onumbu, and June Danangogo — all from ASCSN.
Enugu State lost three members too. Ben Asogwa of NUAHP, Simeon Ejikemen Akaeme of ASUSS, and Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe of ASCSN were all removed.
Fefegha Muneneyi Edwin from NUAHP was expelled from the Bayelsa Council. That brings the total expulsions to eleven.
According to TUC's statement, expelled members cease to be members immediately. They cannot represent TUC or claim any official capacity anymore.
The congress barred them from speaking for the organization publicly. They're also prohibited from attending meetings, elections, or any official assignment on TUC's behalf.
Fifteen others received suspension sentences spanning two years. Martins Adesanoye of CCESSA and Idoka John of NMNWOTSSA face suspension from Lagos.
Nnamdi Cosmos and Jacob Simon Idakwo were suspended from Rivers Council. Enemotimi Allen received a suspension from Bayelsa.
Five more suspended officers include Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, and Tupere Diekedie. Gita Matthew Peremobowei and Okunobo Patrick Elliot also received suspensions.
Four additional names round out the list of suspended members. They are Celestine Ondyima, Mabel Tabowei, Matina Sokebolou, and Julius Laye.
During their suspension period, affected officers cannot hold any official TUC position. They're banned from representing the organization or using its property.
