The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has issued a stern condemnation of the actions of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Joe Ajaero, accusing him of misusing the NLC platform to further his personal and political ambitions. The NDYC emphasized that Mr. Ajaero’s conduct is a betrayal of the NLC’s primary mission—to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
In their statement, the NDYC criticized Mr. Ajaero’s recent efforts to portray himself as a victim of government policies, particularly in relation to the increase in fuel prices. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the price hike, the NDYC argued that it was a necessary measure given the current economic conditions in Nigeria. The organization accused Mr. Ajaero of using the issue as a pretext to advance his political agenda, rather than genuinely representing the interests of the Nigerian workforce.
The NDYC also expressed concern over Mr. Ajaero’s repeated attempts to infuse his personal political affiliations into the activities of the NLC. They highlighted his actions during the Imo State gubernatorial elections as a clear example of how he has misused his position to further his political interests. The NDYC stressed that the NLC, as a representative body for Nigerian workers, should remain neutral and focused solely on labor issues, warning that Mr. Ajaero’s behavior threatens to undermine the credibility of the Congress.
Additionally, the NDYC condemned Mr. Ajaero’s alleged attempts to involve the NLC in his personal legal troubles, including accusations of collaborating with a foreign national to destabilize the government. The NDYC emphasized that these legal matters are personal to Mr. Ajaero and should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the NLC. They called on Mr. Ajaero to face these charges as an individual and to refrain from using the NLC as a shield to avoid accountability.
The NDYC urged the leadership of the NLC and all labor leaders in Nigeria to take immediate steps to protect the integrity of the Congress. They reminded Mr. Ajaero that the NLC is not a tool for personal or political gain, but an institution dedicated to the welfare of Nigerian workers. The NDYC also called on Mr. Ajaero to stop using the NLC to pursue his political ambitions, asserting that Nigerians are increasingly aware of his tactics and will no longer tolerate the politicization of the labor movement.
In conclusion, the NDYC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the NLC remains focused on its mission of advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. The NDYC called on all stakeholders to join in their efforts to preserve the integrity of the NLC and to resist any attempts to subvert its mission for personal or political purposes.