GROUP WANTS EFCC TO BEAM SEARCHLIGHT ON NLC

A group, Coalition of South East Professionals (COSEP), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe allegations of N500 million deregulation bribe against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

While describing the allegation as an embarrassment to the nation, the group in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Okwudiba Ibemesi, condemned the proposed march against the leadership of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

'We as responsible Nigerian professionals in various fields feel embarrassed that the present day Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has not only become dormant but is now a shadow of its former self. We feel terribly embarrassed by the N500 million deregulation bribery allegations currently rocking the NLC.

'It is an insult on our sensibilities that at a time the whole nation expects the members of NLC leadership to clear their names over the N500 million it allegedly took to dilly dally with the Federal Government on the deregulation policy that will impose further hardship on the suffering Nigerian masses, the NLC is, instead, planning a protest march to call for the removal of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,' the statement said.

According to COSEP, the proposed march is self-serving, an abuse of office and a glaring attempt to divert attention of the public from the alleged bribery scandal within NLC.

It urged the NLC to focus on important national issues like electoral reforms rather than witch-hunting one man to settle economic interests and personal scores in the name of unionism.

The non governmental organisation called on the labour congress to set up an investigative panel to look into the allegations, saying that Nigerians deserve the right to know the truth of the issue.

'It is our opinion and that of well meaning Nigerians alike that issues surrounding the alleged N500million bribery should top the concerns of the NLC. We expected and still expect the NLC to set up an independent probe panel. However, since it appears the NLC is incapable of beaming the searchlight on its leadership, we call on the EFCC to earnestly step into the matter to lay it to rest,' the group said.