News
Ex NLC President Ayuba Wabba mourns Chiroma
*Recounts how he fought IBB over SAP, others
By Francesca Hangeior
The Immediate Past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, Ayuba Wabba, has mourned the demise of former President of NLC, Ali Chiroma, describing him as an epitome of courage and character.
Chiroma died Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, at the age of 91 years.
In a statement, Wabba gave insight into the late Labour veteran’s struggles for a better living conditions for workers and the Nigerian masses, saying “A great Iroko has fallen.”
According to him, “I have just received the news of the demise of the second President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ali Chiroma at the ripe old age of 91. Comrade Ali Chiroma died peacefully in the company of his family and friends bringing an end to about seven decades of service and commitment to the working people of Nigeria and the masses. A Great Iroko has fallen.
“Comrade Ali Chiroma was an epitome of courage and character. He served as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the hey days of military rule. “Comrade Ali Chiroma served tall with gusto and pride despite the heavily mined field of military dictatorship.
“The steel in Comrade Ali Chiroma was most profoundly exemplified in the epoch of the resistance by the NLC and her allies in the labour movement against the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, of the General Ibrahim Babangida administration.
“After one of the major protests against SAP, the military came down hard on the NLC and invaded the national secretariat of the NLC. A number of officers of the Congress were picked up and detained by the military. Comrade Ali Chiroma had travelled out of town.
“When Comrade Ali Chiroma returned from his trip, he quickly drove to the detention centre and announced to the bemused soldiers that he was the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and that he came to know why his comrades were detained.
“He demanded that if the soldiers were not willing to release the detained comrades, they should also take him into custody because he was not leaving without his comrades. Of course, the soldiers grabbed him and shoved him into the cells with his comrades.
“Comrade Ali Chiroma lived a life of pristine principles and unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare of workers and social justice in Nigeria. Comrade Ali Chiroma led from the front and refused to shy away from speaking truth to power.
“Comrade Ali Chiroma made a lot of sacrifices for the progress, unity and solidarity of the labour movement from his mother union, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress where he rose to the pinnacle of his career.
“I am privileged to drink from the fountain of wisdom of a great iroko like Comrade Ali Chiroma. In death, Comrade Ali Chiroma continues to inspire.
“I commiserate with the immediate family of Comrade Ali Chiroma, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other workers’ representative organisations in Africa and around the world on the fall of this Giant and Great Iroko that has fallen.
“Your good works, institutional impact and profound contributions to the task of nation building are your legacy written in gold and etched in the sand dunes of times, forever!”
Wabba added that Chiroma “was two term member of the Governing body of the International Labour Organisation and served on the committee of freedom of Association.
He was a member of SEC 5, 1983 of NIPSS, and a recipient of the national honours of MON.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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