A mild drama on Thursday unfolded at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin venue of the Labour Day celebration as police operatives attempted to stop a protest march by the aggrieved staff of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS).

The protesting workers, clad in red T-shirts bearing the institute?s logo, carried placards accusing the Director General, Issa Aremu, a former National Vice president of the Nigeria Labour Congress of alleged mismanagement, insensitivity, and abuse of office.

Eyewitnesses said that the police intercepted the protesters as they approached the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the stadium, blocking their path and preventing them from accessing the main seating area.

The officers reportedly claimed the protest could disrupt the Workers? Day proceedings.

Unwilling to back down, the workers stood their ground, arguing that the celebration was meant to amplify workers? voices.

The standoff was eventually diffused when Ganiyu Balogun, Vice Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Kwara State chapter, intervened.

Balogun appealed to the police to let the protesters into the venue and promised the aggrieved staff that they would be allowed to display their grievances during the ceremonial march-past.

The protesters accuse Aremu, a veteran labour activist, of a litany of infractions. According to them, staff development has ground to a halt under his leadership, with no meaningful training or capacity-building initiatives.

They also alleged that institute vehicles and funds are being diverted for personal and family use, including overseas trips.

Further accusations include maintaining a lavish lifestyle, complete with convoys and escorts, despite the institute?s deteriorating infrastructure.

They claim that hostels and training facilities are in disrepair, eroding the institute?s effectiveness as a labour training hub.

Balogun, however, noted that the TUC had been engaging with the institute?s management over the past ten days regarding the workers? concerns.

?We expected them to inform us of the planned protest, which they didn?t,? he added.

The unfolding crisis raises questions about the state of leadership at MINILS and the ability of labour institutions to maintain internal harmony even as they advocate for workers? rights nationally.

Efforts to get the reaction of the MINILS DG, proved abortive as his phone number did not go through.

More efforts made to get the reaction of the DG through the institute?s Public Relations Officer, Rachael Solomon were not also successful as she said that her calls to the MINILS DG could not get through.

Solomon, who said that Aremu travelled to Abuja to attend the National NLC celebration suggested that our correspondent should try sending text messages to him to get the reaction on the demonstration.

?I have been trying to get through to him on the telephone since morning in Abuja but could not also get through.

?He went to Abuja to attend the National May Day celebration there. Please, continue to get to him through text message.? Solomon said. (The PUNCH)

?Workers of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Kwara state demonstating poor management of the institute during the Workers May Day celebration at the Kwara state Stadium, Ilorin on Thursday

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