PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan did not hide his ill-feelings towards organized labour during the national May Day celebration at the Eagle Square. His grouse was the failure of labour to present him with the usual May Day uniform and described this as marginalization.
The President therefore threatened to write a strongly worded petition against the President of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar for marginalizing him. All government officials present at the May Day, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, all adorned the labour May Day dress with the exception of President Jonathan.

Complaining about this development before his speech, President Jonathan said “Comrade Omar refused to give me the appropriate dress for today, Comrade Omar has therefore marginalized me. He has repressed me and even depressed me. Since morning I have been looking for the appropriate dress for the occasion. So, I am personally going to write a big petition against him.”

Esele bids workers farewell

PRESIDENT of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Peter Esele, has bade farewell to Nigerian workers as he prepares to step down as the President of TUC after a successful two terms.

Speaking at the May Day, Esele said “May I humbly inform you that this shall be my last appearance as President of the TUC at the annual May Day celebration. We are going to our national delegates’ conference in June this year, and by the grace of God, a new President of the TUC shall emerge.”

May day: Cross section of workers celebrate May Day in Abuja

“I therefore, on behalf of my family, sincerely thank you all for your excellent co-operation in the last six years. It has been the most exciting time of my life, having to lead a labour centre in the most populous black nation on earth. On this note, I humbly say that service to my fatherland has been my life. Certainly I shall miss the scene, but I have played my part. Others will continue the good work.”

Words on placards

INCREASINGLY, placards are  disappearing at May Day celebrations in Nigeria even though the needs for them are increasing by the day.

However, the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has continued to keep up with the placards tradition.

Below are some of the placards displayed by members during the May Day celebration at the Eagle Square.

“We proudly produced the centenary May-Day cloth.Buy made in Nigeria. No development without peace, no peace without development. Re-open closed factories, create millions of jobs. Textile revival forward ever. Long live democracy no to dictatorship. Labour creates wealth not poverty. Women issues are labour issues.”

For Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, women commission, issues canvassed throughthe placards were  “We shall shine, gender gaining momentum. Say no to violence against women and girl child. Make ending violence against women stay on top of every one’s mind.