By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has urged labour leaders to aspire to political leadership, saying the experience of former union leaders in government has demonstrated 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 as a second home for the NLC, citing the emergence of Idris, a former labour leader, as governor of the state.
Ajaero noted that Idris, who previously served as Deputy National President and Acting President of the NLC, contributed 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 office, arguing that such positions provide opportunities 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 pledged the continued support of the Congress.
Ajaero said the NLC had repeatedly visited the state because of its peaceful and secure environment, despite what he described as negative publicity.
Responding, Idris described the NLC leadership as members of his extended family and said his experience in the labour movement had prepared him for governance.
The governor dismissed negative reports about the state as opposition propaganda, insisting that his administration had recorded progress across various sectors.
He also commended the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their cooperation with his administration.
Idris urged labour leaders to maintain unity and brotherhood among Nigerian workers, saying a united labour movement would be better positioned to advance the interests of its members.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and other workers in the state.
