Strike Showdown? Coalition Faults NLC Leader Over Natasha Controversy

A Civil Society Organization, operating under the banner of the Civil Society Coalition for the Defence of Democracy in Nigeria (CSO-CODDIN), has strongly criticized Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, over his threat to launch an indefinite strike if suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is not reinstated.

At a press briefing in Abuja over the weekend, CSO convener, Olayemi Isaac, described Ajaero’s comments as an assault on democratic principles and an inappropriate attempt to interfere in the constitutional duties of the judiciary.

Isaac stressed that the courts must be allowed to handle the matter without undue external influence.

The coalition condemned what it termed Ajaero’s “partisanship and meddling,” urging him instead to focus his energy on tackling pressing national issues such as hunger, insecurity, and the welfare of workers.

It further alleged that the NLC President had become a willing instrument in the hands of desperate politicians and should resign if he intends to pursue partisan interests.

“The case is already before a competent court and remains sub judice. Comrade Joe Ajaero’s strike threat is an unacceptable intrusion into judicial processes and a clear attack on democratic values,” the group declared.

The coalition also accused the Ajaero-led NLC of neglecting its core mandate. It noted that while the union has remained silent on security crises in Plateau, Benue, and Niger States, it has instead fixated on defending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose suspension, it maintained, was carried out in accordance with Senate rules.

According to CSO-CODDIN, the NLC has deviated from its founding purpose of safeguarding workers’ rights and is now being used as a political tool to serve private interests.

“Our coalition calls on the NLC to stop interfering in the constitutionally defined role of the Senate and save itself from further disgrace. If Comrade Ajaero wishes to play politics, he should step down as NLC President and join a political party openly rather than hiding behind trade unionism to pursue personal ambitions,” Isaac concluded.