The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has expelled 11 members and suspended 14 others after an internal probe found what its leadership described as flagrant disobedience to the resolutions and decisions of the union’s National Executive Council.

The sanctions were approved at an emergency NEC meeting in Lagos, following the submission of a report by a disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged acts of misconduct within the congress.

TUC President-General Festus Osifo told journalists that the committee, inaugurated on April 27, was mandated to examine cases of insubordination and non-compliance by members, officers and affiliates, offer those accused an opportunity to defend themselves, and recommend appropriate penalties where guilt was established.

According to Osifo, the committee submitted its findings within seven working days, after which the NEC debated the report extensively before reaching its decisions.

Those expelled from the congress include four members from the Lagos State Council, three from Rivers State Council, three from Enugu State Council and one from Bayelsa State Council. The affected members are Abiodun Aladetan, Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, Salau Oladele, Josiah Udoka, Emmanuel Onumbu, June Danangogo, Ben Asogwa, Simeon Akaeme, Igbokwe Joe Igbokwe and Fefegha Edwin.

Osifo said the expelled individuals immediately cease to be members, officers, representatives or functionaries of the TUC in any capacity. They are prohibited from representing the congress, taking part in its activities, issuing statements in its name or using its insignia and other official materials.

He directed them to return all congress property in their possession, including documents, records, identity cards, official stamps and financial instruments, warning that any continued use of TUC platforms or symbols by the affected persons would be considered a serious violation.

The TUC also imposed two-year suspensions on 14 officers drawn from the Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa councils. Those suspended are Martins Adesanoye, Idoka John, Nnamdi Cosmos, Jacob Idakwo, Enemotimi Allen, Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, Tupere Diekedie, Gita Peremobowei, Okunobo Patrick Elliot, Celestine Ondyima, Mabel Tabowei, Matina Sokebolou and Julius Laye.

During the suspension period, they are barred from functioning in any official capacity within the congress, and may not represent, act for, speak on behalf of, or participate in official meetings or elections of the TUC.

Osifo stressed that discipline is central to the survival, stability and integrity of the organisation, urging all affiliates, state councils, officers and members to respect the TUC constitution, comply with decisions of its organs and place the collective interest of the congress above personal ambitions.