The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has issued a strong rebuke against the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, accusing him of undermining the core values of the labor movement by advancing personal and political interests. The NDYC stressed that the NLC’s purpose is to serve the welfare of Nigerian workers, and it should never be used as a platform for individual ambitions.
The NDYC expressed deep concern over Mr. Ajaero’s manipulation of the NLC to push his political agenda, particularly in the context of the recent fuel price hike. While acknowledging that the increase has had significant impacts on Nigerians, the NDYC pointed out that Mr. Ajaero’s actions are more about gaining political capital than fighting for workers’ rights. The organization highlighted that the economic situation necessitated adjustments like the fuel price increase and that any responsible labor leader would understand the need for such measures to safeguard broader economic stability.
The NDYC also condemned Mr. Ajaero’s involvement in political matters, citing his actions during the Imo State gubernatorial election as a prime example of his misuse of the NLC platform. The Congress emphasized that the NLC should remain neutral in political affairs and focus solely on the betterment of Nigerian workers. Mr. Ajaero’s decision to inject political partisanship into the labor movement, according to the NDYC, threatens to erode the NLC’s credibility and integrity.
Further, the NDYC voiced its outrage over Mr. Ajaero’s alleged involvement in legal scandals, specifically accusations of conspiring with a foreign national to destabilize the Nigerian government. The NDYC made it clear that these legal issues are Mr. Ajaero’s personal responsibilities and that the NLC must not be used as a vehicle to shield him from accountability. They called on Mr. Ajaero to face the charges against him as a private citizen and not involve the NLC in his personal challenges.
In closing, the NDYC urged the leadership of the NLC to act swiftly to protect the institution’s integrity. They reminded Mr. Ajaero that the NLC’s sole duty is to advocate for workers, not to serve as a platform for political maneuvering. The NDYC also called on Nigerians to be vigilant and resist any attempts to manipulate the labor movement for personal or political gain. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the NLC stays true to its mission and remains a trusted advocate for the Nigerian workforce.