APC chieftain urges NLC to “prioritize workers’ welfare over politics
Ben. Ezechime, Enugu
The Deputy National Chairman South of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emma Eneukwu, has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its recent actions, which have raised concerns about the organization’s alignment with partisan politics.
“This is at the expense of its primary mission – safeguarding the welfare of its members,” Eneukwu said in a statement in Enugu on Thursday.
He acknowledged the NLC’s historical role as a champion for workers’ rights and interests.
However, he expressed apprehension regarding recent activities that have disrupted movements across the nation, suggesting that the NLC may be straying from its core responsibilities as a labour union.
According to him, it is imperative that the NLC maintains its fundamental role as a protector of workers’ rights and wellbeing.
“Engaging in partisan politics under the guise of a labour movement distracts from the NLC’s genuine mission and, more importantly, may not be in the best interests of the nation,” he said.
The APC deputy national chairman urged the NLC to refocus its energy and resources on issues of paramount importance, such as advocating for fair wages, workplace safety, and social security.
“These are issues that profoundly impact the lives of the Nigerian workers that the NLC represents,” he said.
Eneukwu also condemned the recent acts of blocking airports in the name of protests while campaigning for candidates in political parties.
He noted that this is a double standard that could only lead to problems for the nation, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and equitable expression of grievances.
“The APC remains open to collaboration with the NLC to address labour-related challenges and advance the collective welfare of Nigerian workers.
“It is their belief that by adopting a non-partisan stance and refocusing on the welfare of its members, the NLC can more effectively serve its constituents and contribute to the overall development of the nation.
“The call is clear: refocus on the welfare of its members and ensure that protests are conducted in a manner that upholds the values of democracy and justice.
“The future direction of the NLC and its impact on the nation remain topics of significant interest and concern.”
