The ongoing clash between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Labour Party’s leadership intensified on Wednesday, with the labour union directing its state councils and political commission to picket Labour Party secretariats nationwide.
A letter signed by the NLC Political Commission’s chairperson, Titus Amba, and secretary, Chris Uyot, dated Tuesday, March 19, 2024, conveyed the directive.
The instruction follows a virtual meeting of the NLC National Political Commission and the leadership of the NLC State Councils and State Political Committees on March 19, 2024.
The letter cited the refusal of the Labour Party’s National Chairman to convene a National Convention, financial misconduct, and disregard for NLC leadership as reasons for the directive.
According to the letter, the picketing is slated for Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The directive came after the National Working Committee of the Labour Party accused NLC President Joe Ajaero of attempting to replace Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure.
In response, the political wing of the NLC, the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, raised allegations against Abure and the NWC, denouncing plans for a secret convention in Umuahia, Abia State.
They demanded Abure’s immediate resignation and the formation of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate convention.
The LP leadership rejected the NLC directive, claiming it was motivated by Ajaero’s ambition to become the party’s national chairman.
In a statement titled ‘Resign as NLC President to Contest LP Chairmanship, Labour Party advises Joe Ajero,’ LP’s National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh emphasized that the party would proceed with its planned convention.
The directive urged NLC State Councils and Political Committees to mobilize workers, civil society allies, students, traders, and professionals for picketing and mobilization efforts.
