The Labour Party has declared that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, is no longer fit to occupy the exalted office, following his recent threats that the party described as politically motivated and lawless.
Tribune Online reports that the NLC has threatened to repossess Labour Party offices. The party faulted NLC President’s alleged attempts to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, accusing him of blackmail and undermining the law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, responded to Ajaero’s threats, emphasising the party’s commitment to protecting its offices against any unlawful actions.
Ifoh reaffirmed that the party would resist all forms of intimidation from those who consider themselves above the law, particularly in response to Ajaero’s recent conduct.
Addressing claims that the Supreme Court ruling had dismissed the Labour Party’s leadership, Ifoh explained, “The Supreme Court has been very clear about party leadership, stating that courts cannot interfere in the internal affairs of a political party.
ALSO READ: Labour Party: Obi, Otti hold NEC meeting amid Abure’s warning
The court did not dismiss the National Working Committee (NWC), nor did it rule that their tenure had expired. We urge Ajaero and his associates to seek proper legal counsel if they cannot comprehend the clear pronouncement of the court.”
Ifoh further clarified the issue of leadership within the party, stating that the Labour Party’s 2019 executive, whose tenure was initially set to end in June 2023, had its term extended to June 2024 through a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting attended by the NLC.
He emphasised that the recent National Convention held in March 2024, in line with the party’s constitution and the amended Electoral Act, led to the election of the current leadership, with no vacuum in authority.
He also addressed the court case with Nenadi Usman and others, explaining, “We did not go to court over leadership disputes. The case was to compel INEC to provide the uploading code for the Ondo State governorship election, which Nenadi Usman and Mr. Nwokocha joined.”
Ifoh condemned the NLC’s actions, referring to the 2024 incident when the NLC unlawfully broke into the Labour Party’s national headquarters.
“That incident was reported to the police, and we became aware of the recent threat to invade our offices from some members of the NLC.
“Ajaero should by now learn that attacking law abiding citizen, hooliganism and rascality is not a trait of a good unionist. He should be concerned more about workers welfare. He has since politicized the Labour Union in Nigeria and he is no longer fit to occupy that exalted office. We have once advised him to quit unionism and join politics but he will not listen.”
The Labour Party also asserted that the NLC has no right to attack its offices, as there is no trade dispute between the two organizations.
“We must state categorically that NLC has no right to attack any Labour Party office because there is no trade dispute. Based on the trade dispute Act, you can not picket or declare a strike without a trade dispute. In any case, we do not have any staff of the NLC in our employment. There is no Union in our offices. their action is purely an illegality,” he added.
The party vowed to take all legal measures to address the situation, including reporting Ajaero’s actions to the Registrar of Trade Unions. “We will not hesitate to take action if they resort to unlawful conduct,” Ifoh warned.
Ifoh concluded, “We will seek the protection of security agencies. However, if Ajaero and his group defy the authorities, we will have no choice but to mobilize our members nationwide to resist them.”
and then