NLC President Slams Critics of Strike Suspension, Says No Sellout

The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has dismissed the allegations that the labour leaders were bribed by the government to call off the planned nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal and other issues.

Ajaero said in an interview with Vanguard that those making such claims are ignorant of how labour relations and industrial practice work. He said the labour movement had a legitimate demand and a valid agreement with the government, which made the strike unnecessary.

He said: “Well, you see people use some words because nobody is taking them to court. What is the meaning of sellout? Those critics were not there when we started and they are not the people that have our mandate.

“What we have are people who have no business, and who are illiterate in terms of labour issues. In every labour issue, there is always a demand. When a demand is met, an agreement is signed. I have never heard where Labour continuing an action after agreements are signed.

“Mention one critic there that is schooled in either labour or industrial relations practice anywhere in the world. So, when they say sellout, what did you sell out, how much did they buy it, who is the person that bought it? So, these are some of the careless statements that portray some people as illiterates on the subject matter.”

Ajaero explained that the labour movement had secured some concessions from the government, such as the reversal of electricity tariff hike, provision of palliatives for workers and poor Nigerians, and review of the fuel pricing mechanism.

He said the labour movement would continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement and hold the government accountable. He also urged Nigerians to support the labour movement in its struggle for social justice and national development.

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