By: Felix Ikpotor
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expelled 11 members and suspended 14 others for various offences including alleged disobedience to resolutions of its National Executive Council.
Rivers State is among the worst-hit states in the disciplinary action as three members of the union were expelled while four others were suspended.
The decisionsm according the union was reached at an emergency NEC meeting held in Lagos on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Announcing the outcome, TUC President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the sanctions followed the report of a disciplinary committee set up on April 27 to investigate acts of misconduct within the congress.
Those expelled include; factional Chairman of the union in Rivers, Josiah Udoka, his secretary, June Danagogo and Emmanuel Onumbu, while the suspended officers are; Enemotimi Allen, Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, and Tupere Diekedie.
The expelled persons, according to Osifo, cease immediately to be members, officers, representatives, or functionaries of the TUC in any capacity, adding that they are barred from representing the congress, participating in its activities, issuing statements in its name, or using its insignia and official materials.
He directed them to hand over all congress property, including documents, records, identity cards, official stamps, and financial instruments.
”The suspended officers will cease to function in any official capacity for two years with immediate effect. They are prohibited from representing, acting for, speaking on behalf of, or participating in official meetings or elections of the congress during the suspension period,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lagos State recorded the highest number of expulsions, with four members; Mr. Abiodun Aladetan, Mr. Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, and Mr. Salau Oladele sanctioned, while four officers from the state; Martins Adesanoye, Idoka John, Nnamdi Cosmos, and Jacob Idakwo, were also suspended.
In Enugu State, three members; Ben Asogwa, Simeon Akaeme, and Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe were expelled, alongside Fefegha Edwin of Bayelsa State, while four officers; Gita Peremobowei, Okunobo Patrick Elliot, Celestine Ondyima, Mabel Tabowei, Matina Sokebolou, and Dr. Julius Laye were suspended.
The TUC President, Osifo said the disciplinary committee was mandated to review cases of “flagrant disobedience” by members, officers, and affiliates, provide a fair hearing to those affected, and recommend appropriate sanctions where culpability was established.
According to him, the committee submitted its report within seven working days, after which the NEC deliberated extensively before adopting the recommendations.
He warned employers, institutions, government agencies, labour centres, and the public against recognising or dealing with the expelled persons as representatives of the congress.
Reaffirming the need for discipline, Osifo said it was “indispensable to the survival, stability, and integrity of the organisation.”
He urged all affiliates, state councils, officers, and members to respect the TUC constitution, obey decisions of it’s organs, and place the collective interest of the organisation above personal ambitions.
