Senator Natasha: Allegations against Ajaero unacceptable – Kano NLC

The Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) has dismissed allegations by a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) against its President, Joe Ajaero, that he is indulging in political affairs, instead of advancing the cause of the Nigerian worker.

The Chairman of the union, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, made the remarks while responding to the CSOs’ allegations in Kano on Saturday.

Comrade Inuwa described the allegations as “fictional, baseless, and misleading,” expressing disappointment that respected civil society actors would resort to what he termed as “misguided activism.”

“We have gathered here today to respond to the unfounded accusations against our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. It amazes us that individuals who claim to fight for a better society would stoop to such misleading narratives,” he said.

He explained that the NLC’s mandate extends beyond the welfare of workers alone,citing Article 3 of the NLC Constitution, reminding the public that the congress is tasked with defending the rights of workers, pensioners, and promoting a just, democratic, and transparent Nigerian society.

“The Congress is not restricted to labour issues alone. We engage in matters that affect the broader society, including fuel price hikes and disenfranchisement. The CSOs themselves have joined us in such protests, why then accuse us of political bias now,”the Chairman queried.

According to him,any industrial action by the NLC follows a rigorous democratic process involving multiple layers of approval, from the National Administrative Council to the National Working Committee, and finally the Executive Council comprising state chairmen and secretaries.

“No strike is declared unilaterally. The President cannot act alone. Every action is subject to internal democratic procedures,” he affirmed.

On the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Inuwa defended Ajaero’s stance, insisting that it was rooted in the concern for the constituents affected by her prolonged absence.

“This is not about politics. It’s about ensuring that the people she represents, workers and non-workers alike, are not denied their democratic rights,” he said.

Comrade Inuwa further reaffirmed Kano NLC’s unwavering support for Comrade Joe Ajaero and the broader mission of the Congress.

“We stand in solidarity with our President. We are committed to defending democracy and the rights of all Nigerians. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat who listens to the Congress, and we trust in his leadership,”he said.

A coalition of CSOs under the aegis of Campaign for the Protection of Workers’ Rights in Nigeria’ had accused the NLC under Comrade Ajaero of meddling in the affairs of the National Assembly regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

It also accused the Congress of derailing from its mandate of advancing the cause of the Nigerian worker and becoming “a willing tool in the hands of individual politicians.”