Amidst mounting tensions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a decisive directive, mandating its state councils and political commissions to stage widespread picketing of Labour Party Secretariat nationwide.
In a letter signed by NLC Political Commission Chairperson Titus Amba and Secretary Chris Uyot, and made available to newsmen, the order underscores escalating discord between the NLC and the Labour Party leadership.
Amid accusations of financial misconduct and unilateral decisions, the NLC cites the Labour Party’s refusal to convene a national convention as grounds for the dramatic action, scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
“That given the intransigence of the National Chairman of the Labour Party to unilaterally hold a National Convention of the Labour Party, financial rascality and contempt for the leadership of the NLC, the NLC State Councils and State Political Committees should mobilise workers to picket all the State Secretariats of the Labour Party, scheduled for Wednesday, 20th March 2024,” the letter partly reads.
“In view of the soon to be held all-inclusive national convention of the Labour Party, the NLC State Councils and the NLC Political Committees should immediately embark on a statewide mobilisation of workers to join the NLC Political Commission and the Labour Party.
“The NLC State Council and State Political Committees should work with our civil society allies, students, traders, and professionals to ensure that the picketing and mobilisation are successfully executed,” the Tuesday directive concluded.
The standoff traces back to allegations of power plays within the Labour Party, with the NLC accusing President Joe Ajaero of orchestrating maneuvers to usurp leadership positions.
In a statement titled “Resign as NLC President to Contest LP Chairmanship,” the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, responded sharply to Joe Ajero, advising him to step down from his position as NLC President if he intends to pursue the chairmanship of the LP.
Ifoh emphasized that the party’s leadership does not consider itself bound by directives from individuals outside the party, particularly those affiliated with unions.
Despite the Labour Party’s dismissal of the directive as a ploy for Ajaero’s advancement, the NLC remains steadfast in its call for mobilization, rallying workers and civil society allies in a bid to assert its influence.
