The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has escalated its conflict with the leadership of the Labour Party by instructing its state councils and political commission to picket Labour Party secretariats nationwide. The directive, contained in a letter signed by the chairperson of the NLC Political Commission, Titus Amba, and the secretary, Chris Uyot, follows a virtual meeting of the NLC National Political Commission and state councils on March 19, 2024.
The letter cites the intransigence of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, financial mismanagement, and disregard for NLC leadership as reasons for the directive. State councils and political committees are instructed to mobilize workers for picketing scheduled for March 20, 2024, at all Labour Party State Secretariats.
The directive comes amid allegations from the National Working Committee of the Labour Party accusing NLC President Joe Ajaero of attempting to replace Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure. Ajaero’s alleged involvement in plans for a national convention and demands for Abure’s resignation have fueled tensions between the NLC and the Labour Party leadership.
In response, the Labour Party leadership opposed the directive, asserting its independence from non-party members’ influence. The NLC State Councils and Political Committees are urged to collaborate with civil society allies to ensure the successful execution of picketing and mobilization efforts.
