By joshua Edo NLC Vows To Resist Moves By Lawmakers To Repeal, Amend 2021 Autonomy Law
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peacefully resist any attempt by the Edo State House of Assembly to tamper with the Edo State House of Assembly and Judiciary Autonomy Law, 2021.
In a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, August 24, 2026, by Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, chairman Caretaker Committee of the Edo State Council of the NLC declared full solidarity with the Edo State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in its ongoing protest.
Prof.Igbafen stated that “In the days ahead, all progressive affiliate unions of the NLC in Edo State shall be mobilized to stand shoulder to shoulder with JUSUN and other critical stakeholders. We will sustain this peaceful resistance should there be any attempt to gamble with the autonomy law,” the statement declared.
The Council reminded that the Supreme Court of Nigeria spoke unequivocally in 2022 when it nullified Executive Order 10 and upheld the autonomy of state legislatures and judiciaries. In doing so, the Court affirmed Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees financial independence for both arms of government at the state level.
The Edo NLC stressed that any attempt to repeal or tamper with the State Autonomy Law of 2021 is a direct assault on the sacred principle of separation of powers.
The Council further warned: “No society can thrive where justice is caged, and where the temple of justice is made to bow before the executive.”
Therefore, the Edo State Council of the NLC calls on the Edo State House of Assembly to heed the voice of reason and wisdom. Let it depart from any illusion of amending this law and instead embrace people-oriented legislation that strengthens democracy, protects institutions, and secures justice for all Edo people. He concluded.