We Are Not After Your Job, Fulfill Our Agreement — NLC To Tinubu

According to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), President Bola Tinubu's job is not the union's goal.

President Bola Tinubu has been informed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that union members have no interest in holding any political office, including his own.

The President took aim at the labour unions during the Lagos Red Line Project's inauguration on Thursday, telling them to put an end to their protests and keep the peace because they are not the only voice for Nigerians.

The president's words were made following the labour union's two-day nationwide protest against the dire economic conditions facing Nigerians.

The nation's capital territory, Abuja, was one of the locations of the protests that took place on February 27 and 28 (FCT)

He advised the labour unions to hold off on participating in the election process until 2027.

However, in response, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated in a statement on Friday that while they are not interested in Tinubu's viewpoint, they are demanding that he carry out every agreement the labor unions made with the federal government after the fuel subsidy was removed.

The president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, responded to Tinubu's statements by saying that the union finds them to be “troubling.”

Ajaero asserted Tinubu's attention to “the distant 2027 election” instead of the pressing needs of the populace demonstrated a detachment from the everyday realities of Nigerians.

He said Tinubu “appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects” rather than addressing the urgent issues.

“President Tinubu's insinuation that Labour lacks the moral ground to challenge his administration, merely nine months into office, is deeply troubling,” NLC president said.

“It is regrettable that the President seems oblivious of the profound hardships endured by millions of Nigerians.

“The pervasive hunger, unemployment, housing insecurity, and escalating costs of basic necessities such as food and healthcare demand immediate attention and decisive action.

“Yet, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.

“The NLC wishes to emphasize that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President.

“Rather, our sole focus is on advocating for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.”

FG DECLINED TO APPLY AGREEMENTS ACHIEVED SINCE JUNE 2023

Ajaero stated that the union's grievance with the federal government is the non-implementation of certain agreements that the union and the government had reached.

“Mr. President, these agreements were reached but the Committee that was saddled with working on these was never inaugurated and none of them was implemented until we were forced to organize a nationwide rally while the president gave his personal commitment. However, Mr. President, nothing came out of your promises,” he said.

“Once again Mr. President, these are the issues and not election or perhaps seeking to take over your job. We would want Mr. President to show us the items his government has implemented in this agreement.

“President Tinubu's administration must be held accountable for the commitments made in previous agreements with Labour.

“It is disheartening to note the apparent lack of progress in implementing these agreements, despite repeated assurances from the government.

“Nigerians deserve transparency and tangible results, not empty promises and bureaucratic delays.

“Furthermore, the use of divisive language and veiled threats against Labour by President Tinubu is unacceptable.

“It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the myriad challenges facing our nation.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society, and any attempts to suppress dissent will only exacerbate tensions and undermine our collective efforts towards progress and prosperity.”

The head of labour urged the president to pay attention to Nigerians' concerns, put governance above politics, and take concrete action to create a society that is more equal and inclusive.