A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the Presidential Campaign Committee Hon. Kikelomo Ikuomola has berated the national leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for failing to initially consider the option of dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy before insisting on the botched strike action that raised tension nationwide.
Ikuomola, who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital declared that NLC’s earlier insistence on strike action, was sheer disrespect to the presidency’s invitation for a dialogue.
She said the move indicated that the leadership of the labour movement has lost focus in its avowed mission of championing the collective welfare of workers.
The APC stalwart declared that NLC under its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero has lost focus as an organized pressure group by its stance against the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has already earned international accolades.
She demanded the immediate resignation of Ajaero whom she accused of conniving with enemies of progress to commit economic sabotage against the country, declaring that the much- revered labour movement is gradually seeping into a state of irrelevance by its stance against the removal of fuel subsidy.
Read Also: Why we suspended strike plan, by NLC
The Abuja-based politician said: “The Tinubu-led administration brings a fresh perspective and approach, and the NLC has the opportunity to collaborate with the government by offering their ideas, insights, focus, and policy direction to collectively move the country forward. This and more should be done by engaging in meaningful discussions and cooperation, in genuine synergy, both parties can work towards the betterment of Nigerians.”
She urged the collectives of the nation’s labor movement to desist from activities capable of painting the union in a bad light as losing its relevance for the collective welfare of the Nigerian workers.
She added: “It is important for NLC to learn from these experiences and consistently speak up on issues. Considering the people’s interest, both NLC and President Tinubu share a common goal of working for the people’s welfare, so by recognizing this shared objectives, it becomes essential to embrace dialogue and collaboration, by maintaining a posture of calmness and fostering cooperation”.
“By working hand-in-hand with the new president and engaging in dialogue, NLC can play a significant role in shaping policies that benefit Nigerian workers, and together, they can build a prospective future for the nation and ensure that the Nigeria masses are well represented and their concerns will be addressed”.