By Jide Akinjide, Abuja
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, the role of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as a champion of workers’ rights has long been a beacon of hope for the nation’s labour force. However, recent events have cast a shadow over the credibility of the NLC, as its current leadership, headed by Joe Ajaero, appears to be grappling with a severe identity crisis.
The NLC, along with its sibling, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has historically managed to maintain a clear distinction between its primary role as a defender of workers’ interests and its secondary involvement in partisan politics, particularly through the ownership of the Labour Party. This separation ensured that the NLC’s focus remained firmly on labour issues and the welfare of its members.
Unfortunately, this fine line has become increasingly blurred under the leadership of Ajaero. The most glaring example of this duality was evident during the lead-up to the 2023 general election. Ajaero openly threw his weight behind the Labour Party’s candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in a bid to discredit the ruling APC and enhance the prospects of his party’s candidate. Regrettably for the NLC, this political maneuver failed to secure victory for the Labour Party in the presidential election.
The latest incident that raises concerns about Ajaero’s dual role is the NLC’s involvement in the upcoming Imo State governorship election. The Labour Party, the political arm of the NLC, is fielding a candidate for this election, and Ajaero, being from Imo State, has used the NLC’s machinery to undermine the incumbent Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, in an attempt to bolster the LP candidate.
The most troubling development in this episode is Ajaero’s decision to declare an industrial action in Imo State just days before the election, citing alleged worker rights violations. Ajaero’s NLC even went as far as urging its chapters to “Occupy Imo” on November 1. Despite a court order restraining the NLC from striking, Ajaero pressed on with the “Occupy Imo” protest. The Imo State chapter of the NLC publicly disassociated itself from the proposed strike, confirming that there were no outstanding salary issues, suggesting that Ajaero’s move was more about political grandstanding than genuine labour concerns.
Ajaero’s presence in Imo State on November 1 turned chaotic, with the NLC president attempting to enforce the strike through picketing and being confronted by workers who disagreed with the action. The police had to intervene to prevent violence. A viral video revealed Ajaero’s disregard for the court order and his apparent indifference to the rule of law.
One must question why Ajaero chose to initiate NLC-led strikes specifically in Imo State when other states were experiencing more significant salary arrears. His actions cast doubts on the NLC’s commitment to the welfare of workers and suggest that it prioritizes political interests over the genuine concerns of labour.
Ajaero’s actions have created a deep conflict of interests within the NLC and have severely damaged the credibility of the organization. Workers are losing faith in the NLC’s ability to protect their interests without succumbing to partisanship. Ajaero’s behaviour indicates that he may be more of a Labour Party chieftain than a true leader of the NLC.
The NLC deserves better leadership that upholds its core mission and maintains a clear separation between labour advocacy and partisan politics. As it stands, the duality of Ajaero threatens to erode the very foundation of the Nigeria Labour Congress and its ability to serve the workers it was designed to represent.