2023: NLC Niger sets up nine-man committee to ensure credible candidates take over political offices
By Naseer Mijinyawa, Minna
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Niger State chapter has set up a nine-man committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that only credible candidates emerge as political office holders come 2023 in the state.
The chairman, NLC, Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba made the disclosure on the occasion of 2022 International Workers Day held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna Wednesday.
Comrade Yakubu Garba explained that the committees is to mobilize all federal, state, local government and non-formal sector affiliate unions of NLC and TUC as well as friends of labour to fully participate in ensuring that credible candidates emerge in 2023 general election.
He stated that the committee is to work hand in hand with organized private sector, civil society organizations, friends of labour and other political like minds in the forthcoming general election.
According to the labour chairman, this year’s May Day theme is “Labour Politics and the quest for good governance and development in Nigeria” saying the theme was deliberately chosen in reflection of the resolve of the organized labour to fully participate in the 2023 political process.
“The multifaceted challenges of the Nigerian state, especially escalating insecurity, rising inflation, economic hopelessness and hardship are evidences that if the current situation is to improve post 2023, then the status quo of political process must change” he asserted.
To drive this change, Comrade Garba stated that the national headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress directed 36 states councils of the federation and FCT to form political structures up to polling unit levels.
Speaking further, the NLC chairman disclosed that the organized labour in Niger State has in the year under review engaged in number of political activities which include NLC train the trainer workshop, roundtable discussion on social protection cover and implementation in Niger State, National political summit of NLC, national political summit of TUC and International Women day commemoration as well as participation in national protest among other activities.
Comrade Yakubu Garba therefore demanded from Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani Bello to as a matter of urgency step up action, ensuring that the state is secured especially now that raining season is fast approaching so that farmers can engage in farming activities safely.
In his remarks, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello told workers that he will continue to partner with the state organized labour on mutual industrial relationship to enhance productivity in the state.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, assured workers of their welfare at all times.
While congratulating the state organized labour for their mutual understanding with the government, the Governor promised to offset their outstanding demands and ensure the security of farmers.