Civil society organisation, Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW), has called on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, to steer clear of partisan politics and concentrate on addressing pressing labour issues affecting Nigerian workers.
In a statement released on Friday, NIW’s National Convener, Dr. John Samuel Nangi, faulted Ajaero’s recent intervention in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a suspension by the Senate.
NIW said the NLC’s public criticism of the Senate over the senator’s suspension amounted to “meddling in legislative affairs” and could undermine the union’s credibility and independence.
“Ajaero should focus on wage negotiations, workers’ welfare, and fighting for improved conditions of service rather than engaging in partisan battles,” the statement read. “It is disturbing that the NLC, which should be non-partisan, is openly taking sides in a political dispute that is already before the courts.”
The group argued that since Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is still in court, Ajaero’s calls for her reinstatement amounted to encouraging disobedience to judicial processes. NIW stressed that her return to the Senate can only be determined in plenary, in line with parliamentary rules.
NIW further expressed disappointment that the NLC president has not publicly urged the senator to comply with an alleged court order directing her to issue a public apology and pay a ₦5 million fine before resuming her seat.
“Instead of heating up the polity with statements that could inflame political tensions, we expect Ajaero to channel his energy towards securing a living wage, protecting jobs, and addressing the rising cost of living facing millions of Nigerian workers,” the group stated.
The organisation warned that persistent political involvement could erode public confidence in the NLC, urging its members and affiliates to “reclaim the union from being used as a political tool.”
