Sir: Gone were the days when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was the voice of the masses. If the NLC sneezed during these periods, the whole country would shake. This was the case because the union was non-partisan towards any political group. Prior to this time, the NLC chose their fights meticulously; they rarely engaged in industrial actions that later turned the masses against them. But can this be said of today’s NLC?
The NLC was known to be the defender of the underprivileged. But putting into consideration the way the union is being managed nowadays, it seems the body has turned to an organization that is being used to settle personal scores with whoever crossed any of its leaders’ paths. It has obviously become the body that is being influenced to inflict pains on people anytime there is a clash between the union and the government or any group.
Many have wondered as to what could have caused the attack on one of the leaders of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Imo State. To some others, the attack was unavoidable since many of the union’s members and its leader are now allegedly involved in politics. Be that as it may, many want to know why the whole country of over 230 million people must go through hardship owing to a skirmish between the NLC president and unknown persons in one state, Imo, out of 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.
No one supports or could have encouraged violence against any leader of the NLC. However, I also do not expect the NLC to torment the entire citizens of Nigeria in the course of wreaking vengeance on the union’s enemies.
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I personally frown at the treatment meted out to Ajaero in Imo State. This of course, should be discouraged, most especially in a civilized society. Nevertheless, I’ll never support a union which was purposely and intentionally instituted to be for all but chose to be for one. Showing glaring support for a particular political party is undoubtedly against the ethics of a labour union that portrays itself to be the defender of all. The moment the NLC swore allegiance to a particular political party was exactly the time people started doubting the union’s integrity.
Every group has a purpose for which it is created. The purpose of NLC is totally different from that of a political party.
The NLC is neither a political party nor a group that has the power to decide who should govern a state or the country. The power to do this is left for the electorate. The labour union was created to prioritize the welfare and rights of Nigerian workers. Meddling in political activities is never a suitable call for the NLC to answer. Political engagements such as campaigns, rallies and debates should be left for those who’re wired to do politics. Any labour leader, who cannot do without playing partisan politics, should be advised to relinquish or vacate his seat for peace to reign.
- Ademola ‘Bablow’ Balalola, babalolaademola39@gmail.com