The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have hit back at President Bola Tinubu’s recent remarks, asserting their non-political stance and right to protest.
Tinubu’s comments, made during the inauguration of the Lagos Red Line Project, drew swift rebuke from the NLC, with President Comrade Joe Ajaero clarifying that the union’s focus is on holding the government accountable, not vying for political positions.
In response to Tinubu’s assertion that labour unions should wait until 2027 to engage in politics, Ajaero emphasized the urgent need for the government to fulfill its obligations, particularly regarding agreements made since June 2023.
Ajaero highlighted critical issues such as wage increases, social welfare programs, and infrastructure development that remain unresolved despite previous agreements.
Moreover, Ajaero emphasized that the NLC’s objective is not political ambition but advocating for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of all Nigerians.
”Yet, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.
“The NLC wishes to emphasize that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President. Rather, our sole focus is on advocating for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
“It is imperative that we refocus our collective energy on addressing the substantive issues that have been the subject of engagement between Labour and the government since June 2023.
“These include critical matters such as wage increases, social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and the revitalization of key sectors such as education and healthcare,” the NLC president said.
Meanwhile, TUC President Festus Osifo echoed similar sentiments on Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasizing the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest and strike in pursuit of their interests.
Osifo dismissed Tinubu’s suggestion of waiting until 2027 to enter politics, emphasizing the unions’ primary focus on the welfare of their members and the broader Nigerian populace.
“I listened to that comment yesterday where he said that we should wait for 2027 if we want to contest for elections. I could speak for Trade Union Congress, we are not politicians, we are unionists, it is our right to protest – it is a fundamental right of every single Nigeria,” Osifo said.
“So we don’t have issues with protests, when need be, people will exercise their rights and people must protest. In terms of waiting till 2027 to enter into politics, I don’t think that is something we could dabble into because I as an individual I am not a card-carrying member of any political party.
“What I am interested in is the welfare of my members and indeed the entire Nigerian masses. So, what the president said for me is alien to us because the right to protest and the right to strike is that of the workers.
“There are condition precedents, for the fact that you are going on protest or strike, there are some things that led to it, those fundamental issues must be addressed.”
Both NLC and TUC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to championing the interests of Nigerian workers and urged Tinubu to prioritize governance over political rhetoric.
