The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest individuals impersonating the leadership of its affiliate union, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). TUC Secretary-General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, made the appeal in a statement on Monday. The TUC only recognises ASCSN under the leadership of Shehu Mohammed, pending the Court of Appeal’s judgment. This position is consistent with the internal democratic processes of the union.
The TUC stated that the alleged impersonators’ reliance on a lower court judgment is faulty, as the ASCSN leadership under Mohammed had already appealed the judgment. The union observed with serious concern the activities of unauthorised individuals and groups parading themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN. These actions are not only illegal but also constitute impersonation, representing a direct affront to the unity, discipline, and institutional integrity of the labour movement.
The impersonation is capable of undermining industrial peace and national stability, the TUC warned. The Congress drew the attention of all security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant law enforcement bodies, to these acts of illegality and impersonation. The TUC urged immediate investigation and necessary action to restrain, prosecute, and deter such offenders. The union emphasised that until the final determination of these matters by competent courts, the impersonators lack any lawful authority to act, represent, or transact on behalf of ASCSN.
The TUC’s position is based on its commitment to upholding the internal democratic processes of its affiliate unions. The union recognises the importance of respecting the leadership structures of its affiliates, as established through democratic means. The alleged impersonators’ actions are seen as a threat to the stability and unity of the labour movement in Nigeria.
The ASCSN leadership under Shehu Mohammed has appealed a lower court judgment cited by the impersonators. The Court of Appeal is yet to make a final determination on the matter. Until then, the TUC will continue to recognise Mohammed’s leadership as the legitimate authority in ASCSN. The union is resolute in its support for Mohammed’s administration, pending the outcome of the appeal.
The TUC’s statement serves as a warning to individuals and groups seeking to undermine the authority of its affiliate unions. The union will take all necessary steps to protect its interests and those of its affiliates. This includes working with security agencies to prevent and address cases of impersonation and other forms of illegality.
The labour movement in Nigeria is expected to maintain its stability and unity, with all stakeholders working together to promote industrial peace and national stability. The TUC and its affiliates will continue to uphold the principles of democracy and internal accountability, ensuring that their actions contribute to the overall well-being of the country.
Key points
- TUC urges DSS to arrest ASCSN impersonators
- Impersonators' reliance on lower court judgment is faulty
- TUC supports Shehu Mohammed's leadership of ASCSN pending Court of Appeal judgment
