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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has charged organized Labour to play a more active role in safeguarding the country’s democracy, from a gradual slide toward authoritarianism.
Hashim, who gave the charge during a visit to the President of Nigeria Labour Congress( NLC), Joe Ajero, engaged the Labour Leader on the state of the nation and the role of workers in sustaining democratic governance.
He explained the history of Nigeria’s progress would not complete withoutthe sacrifices and contributions of the working class, noting that labour has always been at the forefront of major political and social transformations in the country.
According to him, “Labour played a key role in the struggle for independence, and the working class was also a major force in our effort to end military dictatorship.”
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Hashim, who warned that democracy would lose its essence if the welfare of citizens, particularly workers, is neglected, urged political leaders to refocus governance on policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He noted that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people, stating that when workers are marginalized, the legitimacy of democratic institutions is weakened.
Hashim, while reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the labour movement, recalled his days as a student union leader in the 1980s, where he actively supported workers’ struggles and social justice campaigns.
He commended the current leadership of the NLC, particularly Comrade Ajaero, for his steadfast and courageous leadership in defending workers’ rights despite mounting pressures and intimidation.
According to him, the NLC President’s committment has earned him global recognition, citing the Arthur Svensson Prize for Trade union Rights which is to be formally conferred on Ajaero in Oslo, Norway, as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s labour movement.
