In reaction to the ongoing leadership battle between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Labour Party, a group of retired workers under the banner of Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists has issued a fervent call for the resignation of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, and NLC President, Joe Ajaero, citing their prolonged leadership struggle and alleged neglect of workers’ interests.
The group, led by former NLC Vice President, Isah Tijani, expressed deep concern over what it deemed the failure of Ajaero and Abure to effectively address critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
Speaking on behalf of the retired workers during a press briefing in Lagos, Tijjani lamented Abure and Ajaero’s preoccupation with internal power struggles, which he believes have detracted from their primary duty of advocating for workers’ rights.
“The discomforting aspects of this unfortunate situation is the resultant callous and complete abandonment of the constitutional duties and core responsibilities duly bestowed upon these leaders,” Tijjani said.
He also criticized the leaders for their perceived neglect of pressing issues such as the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy, devaluation of the national currency, and increases in electricity tariffs.
The erstwhile NLC Vice President also pointed out the impact of these policies on workers.
“As the prospect to escape from the grip of multi-dimensional poverty dims for the masses, the space to impose more burdens on the working class continues to be fully occupied by harsher economic policies,” he said.
The Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists also cited alleged cases of financial recklessness within the Labour Party leadership, further fuelling the demand for Abure’s resignation.
While emphasizing the need for swift action, Tijani said, “The abysmal failure of the leaders of the Labour unions and the Labour Party to provide credible challenges to these anti-people policies are indeed sufficient basis for Nigerian workers to demand their resignation, without any further delay.”
