The Labour Party (LP) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to cease its interference in the party’s affairs, as directed by Falonipe Amos, the Registrar of Trade Unions in Nigeria. This request follows a contentious dispute where the NLC has claimed ownership of the LP.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, the party highlighted that the registrar’s intervention came in response to a letter from LP National Chairman Julius Abure, dated July 10, 2024. The letter, titled “Request for Your Urgent Intervention the Need to Define the Roles of NLC,” prompted Amos to clarify that the NLC is not permitted to engage in the political activities of any party according to the Act establishing the NLC.
Amos referred to Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act ‘Cap T14 & TI5 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which explicitly states that the NLC should not be involved in the running or patronizing of political parties or supporting political candidates. The Act also prohibits the use of funds generated by trade union members for political objectives or expenses related to political campaigns.
Amos urged the NLC leadership to adhere to these legal provisions when dealing with the Labour Party and other political parties.