The Nigerian Labour Congress, through its President, Joe Ajaero, has addressed concerns regarding the influence of the Labour Party on the labour union.
Previously, notable individuals have accused the union of taking directives from the Labour Party. This accusation arose during a strike action initiated by the association.
However, on Monday, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reached agreements with the federal government to suspend the planned strike, which was scheduled for Wednesday.
In response to these allegations, the union clarified that the formation of the Labour Party by the NLC does not imply that the party exercises authoritative control over their actions. During an interview on Channels TV, Ajaero confirmed the affiliation between the party and the NLC but refuted claims that the party sponsors the union.
Ajaero stated, “I wouldn’t know if these issues are well-informed. It is evident to everyone in Nigeria that the Labour Party is owned by the NLC, and no NLC leader can deny that. However, even when the issue of subsidy was analysed by various presidential candidates, the NLC maintained a clear stance. I distinctly recall stating that if the Labour Party candidate acted against our demands and the ideology for which the Labour Party was formed, they would face backlash from the Labour Movement.”
He emphasised, “The fact that we formed the Labour Party does not mean that if it makes a mistake, it becomes an insult to suggest that the Labour Party is now dictating to the NLC, which formed it. That would be the worst insult anyone could make. If people resort to blackmail, it should not take this form. We have a significant say in determining what happens in the Labour Party. Who are the Labour Party and their candidate to dictate to the NLC? What we are currently doing, isn’t it in line with our consistent stance on fuel subsidy?”
