By Danjuma Amodu
The Chairmen of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, across Ministries, Departments and Agencies have congratulated and applauded the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, for reaffirming Comrade Shehu Mohammed as the authentic President of the union.
The Chairmen, in a solidarity message on Tuesday, thanked the TUC for wading into the prolonged leadership dispute and for recognizing the legitimate leadership of ASCSN without ambiguity.
According to them, through this act and pronouncements, the TUC has written its name in the heart of affiliate labour unions by standing with the legitimate cause and defending democratic trade unionism.
They said no matter how long it takes, truth will eventually triumph, expressing confidence that the legal system will see the facts of the matter and decide appropriately.
The reaction followed a public circular signed by the TUC Secretary General, Comrade Gen. N.A. Toro, PhD, mni, which declared that the Shehu Mohammed-led administration remains the only duly recognised and legitimate leadership of ASCSN.
The TUC said its position was based on ASCSN’s status as an affiliate of Congress, the union’s internal democratic processes and the outcome of its Delegates Conference held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on August 12, 2024.
The Congress noted that the conference was observed by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Amos Falonipe, as well as TUC President General, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General himself.
The TUC said it had observed with concern the activities of unauthorized individuals and groups allegedly presenting themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN, warning that such activities could undermine the unity and institutional integrity of the labour movement.
It stated that some individuals were relying on a lower court judgment in their claim to ASCSN leadership, but clarified that the judgment is currently being challenged at the Court of Appeal by the Shehu Mohammed-led administration.
“Accordingly, until the final determination of these matters by competent courts, these individuals lack any lawful authority to act, represent, or transact on behalf of ASCSN,” the Congress stated.
The TUC therefore advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies, employers, development partners and members of the public to deal exclusively with the ASCSN leadership under Comrade Shehu Mohammed.
It also called the attention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS, to what it described as acts of illegality and impersonation, urging appropriate investigation and action.
The Congress maintained that any engagement, negotiation or transaction conducted with persons it considers unauthorised would be regarded as null, void and of no consequence, and that those who accord recognition to such persons do so at their own risk.
The TUC said it would deploy all lawful institutional and industrial mechanisms to defend ASCSN, maintain discipline within the labour movement and protect democratic trade union processes.
The Chairmen ended their message on a note of solidarity, declaring: Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!! Solidarity Forever!!!
