A group, Democracy Defenders Forum, threatened to drag the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State chapter to court over a planned rally in support of a particular gubernatorial candidate in the state.
Comrade Almustapha Habib-Yauri, the forum’s Chairman disclosed this in a statement issued to Journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
He said: “The forum observed with dismay the document in circulation purported to have emanated from Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State chapter, inviting political groups and individuals to a rally on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022.
“The rally is in support of candidature of Mr Nasiru Idris, All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming election in the state.”
Habib-Yauri said the forum therefore condemned such move in its totality knowing fully well that it was not in line with the laws that established the congress.
“We are not in conflict with the standing Nigeria laws which allow freedom of association of individuals, including the right for the workers concerning their political stand but not in support of the leadership to drag the union as an entity into partisan politics.
“We, therefore, call on the leadership of NLC in the state to verify such invitation in circulation and make a clear statement on its involvement or otherwise within the shortage period of time,” he pleaded.
The chairman continued: “Should the NLC acknowledge its involvement and proceed with such purported plan, the forum will be left with no option than seeking redress in the Industrial Court.
“As we consider it not only inappropriate but unjustifiable attempt to destroy the standing dignity of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other unions affiliated therein.”
When contacted, the NLC Chairman, Kebbi State chapter, Comrade Umar Alhassan-Halidu said: “The chapter of the union is hosting a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kebbi on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
“The following morning, we are going to stage a walk (rally) to the stadium. Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu was part of us, he was NLC’s Deputy National President, we must show him solidarity and support his candidature.
“Remember, when Comrade Adams Oshomole was contesting, the same thing was done to him being a former NLC President, there is nothing new. As workers, we also have our own party, we registered Labour Party (LP) just for Nigerian workers to have a party of their own and we do spore the party.
“As workers, we can’t remain idle, we have to participate in political processes because we are also Nigerians.”
End
THESHIELD Garkuwa
