The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has urged labour leaders to aspire to political leadership, saying the experience of former union leaders in government has shown the importance of workers’ representation in positions of authority.
Ajaero made the call in Birnin Kebbi while addressing members of the NLC National Administrative Council during a dinner hosted by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris.
He described Kebbi State as a second home for the NLC, following the emergence of a former labour leader, Governor Idris, as the state’s governor.
Ajaero noted that Idris, who previously served as Deputy National President and Acting President of the NLC, made significant contributions to the growth and influence of the labour movement.
He said the NLC would continue to support efforts to get more former labour leaders into political offices, stressing that such positions would enable them to influence policies and improve workers’ welfare.
The NLC president also commended Idris for what he described as the ongoing transformation of Kebbi State and assured the governor of the Congress’s continued support.
Ajaero said the NLC leadership had repeatedly visited Kebbi because of the peaceful and secure environment in the state, despite what he described as negative publicity.
Responding, Governor Idris described the NLC leadership as members of his extended family, saying his experience in the labour movement prepared him for the responsibilities of governance.
The governor dismissed negative reports about the state as opposition propaganda, insisting that his administration had recorded significant achievements across various sectors.
Idris also commended the NLC and the Trade Union Congress for their cooperation with his administration.
He urged labour leaders to maintain unity and brotherhood among Nigerian workers, stressing that a united labour movement would be better positioned to protect the interests of its members.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of civil servants and other workers in Kebbi State.
