Writing By Awuhe Terfa; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria NUTGTWN has strongly condemned any form of personal attack and abuse directed at Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whose decades of selfless service to the labour movement and the Nigerian working class remain a reference point.
General Secretary of the Union Comrade Ali Baba who addressed the press in kaduna, said NUPENG’S attack on the revered Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over his wise counsel on the Dangote saga was unnecessary.
Comrade Ali Baba insisted that Senator Oshiomhole’s intervention on the Dangote-PENGASSAN dispute was clearly in the interest of industrial peace, national productivity and the protection of worker’s rights within the framework of dialogue and mutual respect.
The General Secretary reminded NUPENG that as a former President of the NLC and former member of the Governing Board of the International Labour Organization, the Comrade Senator had every right and indeed a responsibility to speak on matters affecting workers, industrial relations and the nation’s economy.
Comrade Ali Baba, therefore, urged the leadership of NUPENG and all colleagues in the oil and gas sector to exercise restraint, uphold the values of solidarity and internal consultation that has over the years defined the labour movement in Nigeria.
Comrade Ali Baba also remarked that NUPENG must focus on resolving all underlying industrial issues with Dangote Refinery through established mechanisms rather than resorting to public attacks on established and respected elders in the labour movement.
He advised that the labour movement must remain united and disciplined in defending workers’ interests amid growing national economic challenges.
Ali Baba stressed that any attack on Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who also served as General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, would only weaken their collective strength and distract union officials from addressing the real issues confronting Nigerian workers.
Comrade Ali Baba further reaffirmed the unwavering respect of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria for the legacy of principled leadership, courage, and commitment demonstrated by Senator Adams Oshiomhole in uplifting the plight of the Nigerian working class.
Awuhe Terfa
