2019: Agbakoba challenges labour groups on involvement in politics

Human rights activist and co-founder, National Intervention Movement (NIM), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has challenged the Labour movements to unite and be more involved in Nigeria’s political space.

He said such involvement will help chart a common course for the nation in a way that will ensure that Nigerian masses enjoy democratic dividend.

Agbakoba maintained that the labour movement could not afford to stay aloof but must work with other like minds to chat a new cause for Nigeria in 2019.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who spoke in Lagos at a Pre-May Day lecture organised by the United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC), with the theme ‘Quest For a Vibrant Democracy, 2019 in Focus’,

said the labour movement should not allow the mistakes of the past where those who did not fight for democracy became the beneficiaries, arguing that without a strong labour movement, it would be difficult to achieve a change in a democratic rule.

According to him, “Labour movement is important in any country. I will advise you to take charge of democratic space and make it vibrant. We cannot have a divided labour movement, so you must strategise.

“The strategy you should adopt as 2019 election is coming, is for you to be on the side of the people. You can take power if you have the number. You must motivate people.

You must collaborate with groups that have the same vision with you. You need to have strong affiliates. That is, for betterment of Nigerians.”

Earlier, President of ULC, Mr Joe Ajaero, maintained that the National Minimum wage needed to be increased to lessen the suffering of workers and their families.

He lamented that there was “no proof that the country is out of recession. Please don’t let anybody deceive you that the country is out of recession. Inflation is still very high.

The cost of transportation, house rent, food stuff is still very high and somebody is telling us we are out of recession.”