Kano NLC Defends Joe Ajaero, Dismisses CSOs Allegations as “Baseless and Misleading

Kano NLC Defends Joe Ajaero, Dismisses CSOs’ Allegations as “Baseless and Misleading”

The Kano State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly defended its national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, against accusations of political interference leveled by a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

At a press briefing in Kano, the State Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, described the allegations as “fictional, baseless, and misleading,” expressing shock that respected civil society actors would resort to what he called “misguided activism.”

“We have gathered here today to respond to the unfounded accusations against our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. It amazes us that individuals who claim to fight for a better society would stoop to such misleading narratives,” Inuwa stated.

He clarified that the NLC’s mandate extends beyond workers’ welfare, citing Article 3 of the union’s constitution which empowers it to defend the rights of workers, pensioners, and to promote a just and democratic Nigerian society.

“The Congress is not restricted to labour issues alone. We engage in matters that affect the broader society, including fuel price hikes and disenfranchisement. The CSOs themselves have joined us in such protests, why then accuse us of political bias now?” Inuwa asked.

The Kano NLC chairman stressed that no strike or industrial action is ever declared unilaterally. He explained that all decisions follow a rigorous democratic process involving the National Administrative Council, the National Working Committee, and the Executive Council of state chairmen and secretaries.

On the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Inuwa said Ajaero’s comments were not political but rather motivated by concern for her constituents.
“This is not about politics. It’s about ensuring that the people she represents, workers and non-workers alike, are not denied their democratic rights,” he explained.

Reaffirming Kano NLC’s support for the labour leader, Inuwa declared:
“We stand in solidarity with our President. We are committed to defending democracy and the rights of all Nigerians. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat who listens to the Congress, and we trust in his leadership.”

Recently, the coalition of CSOs under the banner Campaign for the Protection of Workers’ Rights in Nigeria accused Ajaero of meddling in the affairs of the National Assembly over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension