A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella body of the Protection of Workers’ Rights in Nigeria has called for the resignation of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, accusing him of abandoning the union’s core mandate to pursue political interests.
The group made the demand on Monday during a press briefing in Kano, with the National Coordinator, Abubakar Ado leading the charge against what he termed the NLC’s “meddlesomeness” in Senate affairs.
The coalition’s criticism centers on Ajaero’s threat to launch an indefinite strike if Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not recalled to the Senate.
He condemned this move as an “unsavoury assault on democracy” and inappropriate interference in judicial matters already before the courts.
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“The NLC was created for the sole purpose of advancing the welfare of Nigerian workers, but it has now become a willing tool in the hands of politicians.
“Ajaero should resign from the labour movement and join a political party of his choice,” Ado noted.
The civil society groups argue that the labour union has strayed from its constitutional responsibility of protecting workers’ interests.
The groups maintained that instead of addressing pressing national issues such as insecurity, inflation, and worker welfare, the NLC under Ajaero’s leadership has become politically compromised.
Ado emphasized the importance of institutional independence in Nigeria’s democracy, stating that: the Senate and the judiciary are vital to the nation’s democracy.
“Any attempt to undermine their independence is an affront to the rule of law,” the coalition added.
