The Labour Party (LP) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to stop interfering in its affairs, as directed by the Registrar of Trade Unions in Nigeria, Mr. Falonipe Amos.
Mr. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, stated this in a press release on Tuesday in Abuja.
The NLC has been in a dispute with the Labour Party’s leadership over ownership claims, asserting that it owns the party.
The registrar’s intervention followed a letter from LP National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, dated July 10, 2024, entitled: “Request for Your Urgent Intervention in Defining the Roles of NLC.”
Amos stated that the Act establishing the NLC does not permit it to interfere in the political activities of any party, referring to Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act ‘Cap T14 & T15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The Act specifies that “under no circumstances should the NLC be involved in running or patronizing political parties or individuals seeking elective office.”
Section 15 (1) of the Trade Union Act explicitly states that it is illegal for the NLC or any other trade union to use funds generated by its members for any political objective.
The Act defines political objectives as “the making of contributions towards the funds of any political party” and bars the NLC from paying any expenses incurred, directly or indirectly, by a candidate or prospective candidate for election to any political office in Nigeria.
“I urge the leadership of the NLC to adhere to the provisions of the Trade Unions Act when dealing with the Labour Party and any other political parties,” Ifoh quoted the registrar as saying.