As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called on Nigerians, particularly the struggling masses, not to lose hope in the country despite the challenges they face. Ajaero, in a statement signed on Monday, encouraged citizens to remain resilient and steadfast in their quest for a better Nigeria.
The labour leader acknowledged the sacrifices made by ordinary Nigerians, especially the workers, who have been enduring the hardships caused by the nation’s political leadership. He pointed out that the Nigerian elite have often failed to do the right thing unless they are forced to do so by public pressure or circumstances.
In his message, Ajaero congratulated all Nigerians for their endurance and unwavering spirit, even in the face of repeated betrayals by political leaders. He specifically highlighted the role of the working class, whose efforts and sacrifices have kept the country going despite numerous challenges.
The statement read, “On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebration, we congratulate all Nigerians, especially workers for their sacrifice, resilience or robust spirit in spite of serial acts of betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.
“We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption to not give up hope on their country.
“In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite.”
It added, “It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.
“In the same vein, we would like to sound a note of caution to our political elite whose preoccupation is to circumvent the principles and practice of popular democracy that undermining our democratic institutions can no longer be business as usual.
“The consequences of their acts of commission or omission brought us this far. It is time to turn a new leaf. Let it be the beginning of a new low.”
