Nigerian Labour Congress Urges President Bola Tinubu to Prioritize Governance Over Politics, Clarifies No Interest in the President’s Position.
This came after Tinubu criticized the NLC for staging a protest nine months into his administration, deeming it unjust and unacceptable.
Tinubu, had on Thursday, at the unveiling of the Lagos Red Rail Line project, lashed out at the labour leaders, saying they were not the only voices of Nigerians.
He also asked labour leaders who wanted to participate in the electoral process to wait till 2027.
In response, the NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero in a statement on Friday, countered Tinubu, asserting that the President’s remarks were starkly different from the challenges ordinary Nigerians experience under current policies.
Ajaero noted that Tinubu’s insinuation that Labor lacked moral grounds to challenge his administration within nine months was deeply troubling.
He added that NLC’s “primary objective is not to vie for political positions”.
Ajaero said, “It is regrettable that the President seems oblivious to the profound hardships endured by millions of Nigerians. The pervasive hunger, unemployment, insecurity and escalating costs of necessities such as food and healthcare demand immediate attention and decisive action. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.
“The NLC wishes to emphasise that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President. Rather, our sole focus is on advocating effective governance that prioritises the welfare and security of all Nigerians.
“We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
“It is imperative that we refocus our collective energy on addressing the substantive issues that have been the subject of engagement between Labour and the government since June 2023. These include critical matters such as wage increases, social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and the revitalisation of key sectors such as education and healthcare,” he added.
