Northern Group Warns NLC Against Threatening Labour Minister

• The Northern Obidients Youth Assembly cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress to stop threatening Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and adhere to legal frameworks
• NOYA criticized the NLC’s response to a government letter, urging it to focus on workers’ rights instead of political interference

The Northern Obidients Youth Assembly (NOYA) has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Joe Ajaero, to stop threatening the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and other ministry officials. This warning follows a letter from the Director/Registrar of Trade Unions, Falonipe Amos, on behalf of the Minister of State, advising the NLC to avoid meddling in the affairs of political parties, including the Labour Party, and to adhere strictly to the legal framework that governs their operations.

In response to this letter, the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) issued a communiqué on August 7, urging the federal government to restrain the Minister and ministry officials from what they described as interference in their political rights. The NLC demanded the withdrawal of the letter, warning of potential industrial unrest if their demands were not met.

However, Hussaini Murkhtar, Coordinator of the Northern Obidients Youth Assembly, criticized the NLC for its response, calling it an act of “hooliganism and thuggery.” He argued that the NLC should focus on adhering to the laws that established it rather than threatening government officials. Murkhtar urged the NLC to follow the example of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which he described as professional and focused on its mandate.

Murkhtar accused the Ajaero-led NLC of being more involved in political matters than negotiating for better conditions for workers. He expressed concern that the NLC’s actions were contributing to the impoverishment of Nigerian workers and accused the organization of trying to silence opposition parties to create a one-party state.

The NOYA Coordinator vowed to resist any attempts by political actors to use the NLC to destabilize political parties, especially the Labour Party. He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against any efforts to undermine democracy. He urged the NLC to allow the Minister of State for Labour and Employment to carry out her duties without interference.

Murkhtar concluded by encouraging the NLC to learn from the TUC’s leadership and operate within the country’s laws. He also called on Nigerians to resist any agenda that seeks to impose a one-party state or unjustly change the government.