Civil Society Group Faults NLC President Ajaero Over Strike Threat on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall

A Civil Society Organisation, under the aegis of the Civil Society Coalition for the Defence of Democracy in Nigeria (CSO-CODDIN), has criticised the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, for threatening to embark on an indefinite strike if the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is not recalled.

Addressing journalists in Abuja over the weekend, the Convener of the Coalition, Olayemi Isaac, described Ajaero’s comments as an “assault on democracy” and an undue interference in the judiciary’s constitutional duty of adjudication.

Isaac stressed that the matter concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan remains before a court of competent jurisdiction and should be left for the judiciary to determine without external pressure.

The Coalition condemned what it called the “meddlesomeness and partisanship” of the NLC President, urging him to focus instead on pressing national challenges such as rising hunger, insecurity, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

According to the group, Ajaero’s position suggests he is acting as a “willing tool” for desperate politicians whose interests he now promotes.

It argued that if the labour leader is interested in partisan politics, he should resign from his position and openly join a political party.

“We consider Comrade Joe Ajaero’s threat to embark on an indefinite strike if Senator Natasha is not recalled as an unsavoury assault on democratic principles and undue interference in judicial processes,” the Coalition stated.

It further accused the NLC leadership of neglecting its mandate to defend the rights and interests of workers, alleging that the union has become “an embarrassment that leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many Nigerians.”

The group noted that while the NLC has remained silent on persistent insecurity in Plateau, Benue, Niger and other states, it has chosen to concern itself with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which it maintained was carried out in line with Senate rules.

“Our coalition hereby calls on the NLC to desist from meddling in the constitutionally assigned role of the Senate and save itself further disrepute.

We therefore urge Comrade Joe Ajaero to resign from the Labour movement and join a political party of his choice, rather than hiding under the cloak of trade unionism to pursue personal and parochial interests,” Isaac added.