NLC: Joe Ajaero’s Excessive Strickes can plunge Nigeria into crisis – Isa Tijjani

A former National Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Isa Tijjani, has accused the National President of the Union, Joe Ajaero, of allegedly trying to create an economic and political crisis in Nigeria through excessive strike actions.

Tijjani, speaking to reporters in Kano on Saturday, claimed that NLC President Joe Ajaero’s frequent calls for strikes indicate that he has ulterior motives, even when the government is already addressing the issues raised.

Disagreeing with the NLC President, Tijjani emphasized that bargaining power is not always absolute. He argued that when a pressure group has achieved 60 to 70 percent of their demands, they should negotiate and promote peace.

“The integrity of NLC today is at stake because they have deviated from their main responsibility of protecting the collective rights of Nigerians, while President Joe Ajaero is ill-equipped to lead the most prestigious Union in Nigeria.”

“In the case of Joe Ajaero, even when the government is making frantic efforts to address NLC’s concerns, he insists on going on strike or protesting, clearly demonstrating that he doesnot have the country’s best interests at heart.”

Tijjani reminded the NLC President that some of the issues he is insisting on are influenced by global factors, such as economic recession. Nigeria cannot be exempt from these challenges, and the President is doing his best to tackle the country’s problems.

“I don’t know what kind of NLC Comrade Joe Ajaero is leading. In the past, we were highly respected when we spoke up, and our concerns were taken seriously. But today, the NLC is acting as if they have hidden agendas that are unrelated to the real issuesat hand.”

Tijjani cautioned, “How can the NLC demand a minimum wage of ₦450,000, which is practically impossible? We need to consider how much states are currently earning and spending on salaries and other wages. Which Nigerian states or local governments can afford such a minimum wage?”

“Furthermore, we need to understand that salaries are not increased in fixed amounts, but in percentages. Even at that, a local government is currently spending 58 percent of its total income on salaries. We must be realistic in our bargaining.”

The former NLC boss, however, disagreed with President Tinubu’s statement that the NLC is an opposition party and should run for election in 2027. Tijjani explained that such a statement should not have come from the President.

“Instead of making such comments, the President should call for a forum to discuss the issues at hand as a way of addressing the current situation.”…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>