By Michael Oche
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners and the general public to deal only with the leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) led by Comrade Shehu Mohammed.
TUC, in a circular signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, said Mohammed’s leadership remained the only duly recognised and legitimate leadership of the senior civil servants’ union.
The Congress said its position was consistent with ASCSN’s status as an affiliate of TUC and the outcome of the union’s Delegates Conference held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on August 12, 2024.
According to TUC, the conference was observed by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Amos Falonipe, as well as TUC President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and other officials of the Congress.
The labour centre said it had observed with concern the activities of individuals and groups allegedly parading themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN, describing the development as capable of undermining the unity and institutional integrity of the labour movement.
TUC further said claims by the rival group based on a lower court judgment were misleading, noting that the judgment had been appealed by the Shehu Mohammed-led administration at the Court of Appeal.
Comrade Toro maintained that pending the final determination of the matter by the competent courts, those individuals had no authority to act, represent or transact business on behalf of ASCSN.
The Congress consequently advised MDAs, employers, development partners and other stakeholders to deal exclusively with the Shehu Mohammed-led leadership on all matters concerning the union.
It also called the attention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to what it described as acts of illegality and impersonation, urging them to investigate and take appropriate action.
TUC warned that any engagement, negotiation or transaction conducted with persons outside the recognised leadership would be regarded as unauthorised.
The Congress said it would deploy all lawful, institutional and industrial mechanisms available to defend its affiliate, uphold discipline within the labour movement and protect democratic trade union processes.
It urged stakeholders to remain vigilant, respect due process and support what it described as the legitimate structures of ASCSN.
