…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has dismissed claims of division within the Organised Labour regarding the upcoming nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday.
Background:
The fuel subsidy removal declaration made by President Bola Tinubu in his inaugural speech led to a surge in petrol prices across the country.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) subsequently increased the pump price from around N185 to over N500.
NLC’s Position:
During a meeting with government representatives, the NLC demanded a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and threatened to protest on Wednesday against the petrol price hike.
However, after the meeting ended in a deadlock, there were speculations of division within the union.
Denial of Division:
Ajaero, in an appearance on Arise News, refuted the media reports of division within the NLC and urged Nigerians to disregard such claims.
He emphasized that the NLC is united on the planned strike action, having issued strike directives to its members and affiliates.
He reassured that the industrial action will indeed take place.
Unified Stance:
Ajaero pointed out that there is no dissenting voice within the organised labour, with all 36 state councils of the NLC and 54 affiliated unions supporting the strike decision without any disagreement.
He challenged newspapers claiming division to provide evidence of such division, as the NLC operates as a unified body without separate branches for different regions.
Conclusion:
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, dismissed allegations of division within the union regarding the planned nationwide strike.
He reaffirmed the unity of the NLC and the unanimous support for the strike action from its state councils and affiliated unions.
Ajaero urged those spreading claims of division to wait until Wednesday to witness the strike taking place.