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Daud Olatunji
The president of the Nigerian Labor Congress, Joe Ajaero, has urged union leaders across the country to seek political power, arguing that holding elective and appointive positions would give workers’ representatives greater influence on policies affecting the Nigerian workforce.
Ajaero made the appeal in Birnin Kebbi while addressing members of the NLC National Administrative Council at a dinner hosted by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris.
The NLC president said the experience of former union leaders who moved into government showed that the labor movement could have a greater impact when its members were directly involved in governance.
He cited Governor Idris, a former senior NLC official, as an example of the contribution union leaders could make when they move from union activities to political leadership.
Ajaero described Kebbi as a “second home” for the NLC due to the emergence of Idris, who previously served as the national vice-president and acting president of the Congress, as governor of the state.
He said Idris contributed significantly to the growth and influence of the labor movement before turning to partisan politics.
According to Ajaero, the NLC will continue to create and support opportunities for more former union leaders to occupy political offices.
He argued that political positions gave union leaders a broader platform to influence public policy and promote workers’ well-being.
The NLC Chairman also commended Idris for what he described as the ongoing transformation in Kebbi State, assuring the Congress governor of continued support.
Ajaero said the NLC leadership has repeatedly visited the state because of its peaceful and safe environment, despite what he described as negative publicity about the state.
He said the Congress would maintain its relationship with the Kebbi State Government and continue to engage the administration.
Responding, Governor Idris described the NLC leadership as members of his extended family, saying his years in the labor movement had prepared him for the responsibilities of government.
The governor said his experience as a union leader exposed him to the challenges workers face and gave him an understanding of the importance of workers’ well-being in governance.
Idris dismissed reports that negatively portrayed his administration as opposition propaganda, insisting that his government had recorded significant achievements in various sectors.
He also praised the NLC and the Trade Union Congress for their cooperation with his administration.
The governor called on labor leaders to preserve unity and brotherhood among Nigerian workers, saying a united labor movement would be better positioned to defend and advance the interests of its members.
Idris also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of public servants and other workers in Kebbi State.
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