The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is embroiled in a leadership crisis as members reject what they describe as the imposition of leaders by the national secretariat. The council warns that recognising parallel structures could disrupt the industrial harmony achieved through constructive social dialogue in the state.
Press Conference and Allegations
Speaking at a press conference after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, the Public Relations Officer of the TUC Lagos State Council, Gbolahan Kabiawu, accused individuals at the national secretariat of orchestrating the unrest. He claimed these individuals favour impunity over principles, impose decisions rather than hold elections, and prioritise personal control over constitutional procedures.
Legitimate Leadership Established
The SEC issued a communiqué confirming that the council's leadership was legitimately established through the Lagos State Delegates' Conference, which followed standard procedures. Abiodun Aladetan was elected Chairman, along with other officers, of the State Administrative Council. The SEC maintains that this mandate represents the genuine and lawful will of affiliates in Lagos State.
The communiqué expressed deep concern over ongoing efforts by individuals who are neither elected by Lagos affiliates nor familiar with the state's realities to establish parallel leadership. The SEC unanimously denounced these actions as undemocratic, unconstitutional, provocative, and contrary to the fundamental principles of trade unionism.
Call for Recognition
The SEC emphasised that Lagos State workers are politically aware and capable of choosing their leaders democratically. It insisted that no person or authority has the moral or constitutional right to impose leaders on them. The SEC urged the Lagos State government, security agencies, employers, private sector organisations, civil society partners, and all stakeholders to engage solely with the officially elected leadership led by Abiodun Aladetan on all labour-related matters.
The communiqué added that if any harm, harassment, unlawful arrest, or attack occurs to Aladetan in connection with this matter, workers in Lagos State would hold the national leadership of the TUC fully responsible.
National President's Response
Reacting to the allegations, TUC National President Festus Osifo stated: “Our process and constitution specify that the Secretary General is responsible for conducting elections in all state councils, and Lagos State is no exception. The individual presenting himself is not a TUC member. A member is someone who financially contributes to their affiliate. Anyone not paying dues is not a TUC member. Those ineligible to contest elections within their affiliate cannot contest under TUC. We have duly elected leaders to head the Lagos State council, and this matter has been settled.”
The crisis underscores tensions between the national leadership and state affiliates, with implications for labour unity in Nigeria's commercial capital.
