The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has issued a response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent criticism of labour unions in the country.
Tinubu had expressed disappointment in the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC, stating that their involvement in Nigerian politics was unacceptable.
He also accused them of encouraging protests against his administration.
In a rebuttal, TUC President Festus Osifo emphasized the citizens’ right 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.
