A Nigerian clergyman has admonished Organised Labour to buckle up as Nigerians’ hope of resolving the country’s socio-economic challenges caused by predators lies with labour.
The Organised Labour comprises Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Preaching on the theme, If it had not been the Lord, Stanley Orji of God’s House of Refuge, Uyo said the hope of Nigerians coming out of the present quagmire lies with the movement.
Orji, who spoke this at the Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State Council end-of-year thanksgiving service held at NLC Secretariat, Atan Offot, Uyo on Wednesday, decried hardships facing the Nigerians, seeing the labour movement as answer to negative actions of the predators.
Reading from Psalm 124:1-8, he urged labour leaders to show courage in their struggle for better welfare of their members against the antics of predators which probably could mean insensitive government or employers.
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He also admonished labour leaders to work as a team for the success and welfare of their members in the state as well as be ready to embrace more opportunities next year.
The Pastor thanked NLC for organising the thanksgiving service to appreciate God Almighty for His mercy and love to them, saying this was a surest way to unlock more blessings for them in the coming year.
The Chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Sunny James thanked God for preserving the lives of their members despite the hectic year, saying ‘‘God has helped us not to be burying our members.’’
James recalled that since 2019, he has been holding thanksgiving services and hosting different servants of God ‘‘for helping us to overcome our challenges.’’
He said it was improper for people to castigate Labour Movement for not rising up to challenge certain adverse policies of the government, noting ‘‘We are all labourers. If you blame the leadership of the movement, you are blaming yourself. Let us rise against certain actions instead of dwelling in escapism.’’
The Akwa Ibom labour chief recalled that President Bola Tinubu hurriedly announced removal of fuel subsidy, yet he did put on ground solid plans to cushion the effects of the action except palliatives which could not stand the test of time.
‘‘Our leaders went to Imo State to defend the interest of their members, yet they were attacked and assaulted. Some people blame them without knowing the fact of the matter. This is predicament of labour movement,’’ he said.
James admonished the leadership of Labour Movement in the country to reposed their trust in God Almighty, pointing out ‘‘Everything in the country has failed, but Jesus has not failed.’’
According to him, ‘‘2023 is demanding, but 2024 will be more demanding. Help us the stand up for the interest of more than 53,000 workers in the employ of government in the state.’’
