The Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State chapter, has declared its intention to take action against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company following the termination of 221 workers.
The NLC had earlier accused IBEDC of unjustly dismissing over 3,000 employees, demanding their immediate reinstatement.
However, IBEDC refuted the allegation, clarifying that only 221 workers were affected.
In a statement, IBEDC explained that the terminated employees were actually staff of an outsourcing firm, Premier International Procurements and Logistics Limited, and not directly employed by IBEDC.
Denying any involvement in the dismissals, IBEDC issued a disclaimer on Friday, stating: “They were not employees of IBEDC, and as such, IBEDC is not responsible for their termination or any potential reinstatement.”
The company also rejected accusations of wrongdoing, arguing that attempts to link IBEDC to the matter were misleading. “IBEDC strongly rejects any misleading narratives that unfairly attempt to associate IBEDC with this issue. These reports misrepresent the facts and could mislead the public and stakeholders,” the statement read.
Additionally, IBEDC criticized the NLC’s repeated calls for picketing, asserting that such actions disrupt essential electricity services and inconvenience consumers.
“We also strongly condemn the repeated calls for picketing, which cause significant disruptions and negatively impact our ability to provide critical power services,” the company stated.
Despite IBEDC’s defense, the Oyo NLC remains resolute in its demand for the workers’ reinstatement, insisting they were dismissed unjustly.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Saturday, Oyo NLC Chairman, Kayode Martins, criticized the company’s actions.
“Even if it is just one person that was sacked, is it right? You cannot treat human beings like animals and expect everyone to stay quiet,” he stated.
Martins expressed concern for the affected workers, highlighting the plight of vulnerable employees, including widows who had served the company for years.
“There is a widow among those people. Should we wait until it is 3,000 people before we act? Not everyone will stay silent, and not everyone can be bought over.”
Reaffirming the union’s stance, he warned of impending action should IBEDC refuse to reconsider its decision
“If they are not ready to reabsorb those they have laid off, no problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. We will surely react, and they will see us,” Martins declared.
