The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has officially recognized Comrade Shehu Mohammed as the legitimate leader of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). In a statement released on Monday, TUC Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, confirmed that Mohammed's leadership is the only duly recognized and legitimate leadership of the union. This confirmation is in line with the internal democratic processes of the union and the principles guiding the Trade Union movement in Nigeria.
According to Toro, the TUC observed with serious concern the activities of unauthorized individuals and groups parading themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN. He described these actions as not only illegal and impersonating but also a direct affront to the unity, discipline, and institutional integrity of the labour movement. These actions, Toro warned, are capable of undermining industrial peace and national stability.
The TUC Secretary General further stated that the impostors' reliance on a lower court judgment is misleading and legally untenable. He noted that the said judgment is currently under appeal by the Comrade Shehu Mohammed-led administration at the Court of Appeal. Until the final determination of these matters by competent courts, Toro emphasized that these individuals lack any lawful authority to act, represent, or transact on behalf of ASCSN.
Toro advised all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners, and the general public to deal strictly and exclusively with the leadership of ASCSN under Comrade Shehu Mohammed on all matters relating to the union. He also urged all security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate and take necessary action against these acts of illegality and impersonation.
The TUC Secretary General warned that any engagement, negotiation, or transaction conducted with unauthorized persons or groups is null, void, and of no consequence. He emphasized that parties who choose to interact with or accord recognition to such impostors do so entirely at their own risk. Toro also cautioned that any person, institution, or agency that chooses to deal with these unauthorized elements may be deemed complicit in aiding illegality.
Toro reiterated that the TUC will deploy all lawful, institutional, and industrial mechanisms to defend its affiliate, uphold discipline within the movement, and protect the sanctity of democratic trade union processes. He called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant, respect due process, and support the legitimate structures of ASCSN. The TUC's stance is aimed at maintaining unity and stability within the labour movement.
The confirmation of Shehu Mohammed as the legitimate ASCSN leader is a significant development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the association. The TUC's backing of Mohammed is expected to bring clarity and stability to the union, allowing it to focus on its core objectives of promoting the welfare of senior civil servants and contributing to the nation's development. The labour movement in Nigeria will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.
Key points
- The TUC has officially recognized Comrade Shehu Mohammed as the legitimate leader of ASCSN.
- The TUC warned against dealing with unauthorized individuals or groups claiming to represent ASCSN.
- The labour movement in Nigeria is closely monitoring the situation to ensure industrial peace and stability.
