The Trade Union Congress has reacted to a recent jibe thrown at organized Labour in the country by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu had on Thursday, expressed his disappointment on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the TUC, saying a situation where they indirectly got entangled in the Nigerian politics was unacceptable.
He accused both unions of instigating the people to protest just nine months into his administration, warning that they were not the only voice to be heard.
While speaking during the inauguration of the Lagos Red Line project, Tinubu said, “The Labour Union should understand that no matter how long we cling to our freedom and rights, the first strike within nine months of an administration is unacceptable.
“If you want to participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027. If not maintain peace. You are not the only voice of Nigerians.”
Reacting while featuring on Channels Television on Friday, President of TUC, Festus Osifo, reminded the Nigerian leader that it was the fundamental right of the citizens to protest.
He also said that the President’s claim of waiting till 2027 to enter into politics was alien going by the situation of things in Nigeria under his watch.
“I listened to that comment yesterday where he [President Tinubu] said that we should wait till 2027 if we want to contest for election.
“For me, I can speak for the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. For us, we’re not politicians. We are unionists. The right to protest is the fundamental right of every Nigerian.
“We don’t have issues with protest. When need be people must exercise their rights. People must protest. In terms of waiting till 2027 to enter into politics, I don’t think…I as an individual don’t belong to any political party. I’m not a card carrier of any political party.
“What I’m interested in is the welfare of my members and indeed the entire Nigerian masses. For me, what the President said is alien to us because the right to protest and the right to strike is that of the workers.
“There are lingering issues. The fact that you’re going to protest or strike something led to it. Those fundamental issues should have to be addressed.”
