NLC faction expresses displeasure over Oshiomhole’s comments

 The Joe Ajaero-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed displeasure over comments credited Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in regards to outcome of the rescheduled election of the labour movement.

Ajaero, who addressed a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, described Oshiomhole’s comments as "unhelpful, divisive and partial''.

The governor had said on Monday that the rescheduled NLC election was transparent, free and fair.

Oshiomhole made the comment when he paid a solidarity visit to the NLC President, Dr Ayuba Wabba.

He also advised members of the congress who were not happy with the outcome of the election to emulate President Goodluck Jonathan, who conceded defeat in the March 28 Presidential election.

Ajaero said: "We are also surprised by some statements credited to the governor, which unfortunately showed Oshiomhole deviating from the time-honoured path of comradeship and statesmanship.

"He gave a false impression of us as bad losers; it is interesting that Governor Oshiomhole urged us to emulate President Jonathan who conceded defeat in a free and fair presidential election.''

Ajaero recalled that the Edo governor refused to concede defeated when he was rigged out during the governorship election in 2007.

He, however, maintained that members of the labour movement were supporting and standing by him in solidarity to get justice for his stolen mandate.

He said that Oshiomhole’s acceptance of the NLC rescheduled election as transparent, free and fair was in contrast to the belief of other democrats.

"If everybody agreed there was a deficiency in the NLC elections, the governor cannot be the only exception.

"In any case, all the parties agreed there was a problem, hence there is a need for reconciliation.

"We expected him, as a highly respected labour leader, to be part of the effort to promote peace and reconciliation within the NLC and not to be seen as being partisan, divisive and pretending there are no problems in the movement," he said.

Ajaero also used the opportunity to urge the president-elect to work with the labour movement, assuring him of the union’s cooperation and commitment toward ensuring the smooth running of his administration.

"We reiterate our commitment to the unity of the labour movement in Nigeria based on the principles of trade unionism, independence, fairness, strong internal democracy, equity and solidarity, among others," Ajaero said.

- NAN