By Our Correspondent
The Citizens for Democratic Dividends in Nigeria,CDDN, has rejected the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC,and its President, Joe Ajaero’s attempts to deceive and manipulate public sentiment over minimum wage.
It also described the claims of betrayal made by Ajaero and the NLC as an insult to Nigerians’ intelligence and an exploitation of public grievances for personal gain.
CDDN, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ahmad Musa Idris, rejects any maneuver by Ajaero or the NLC to drag Nigerians into covering up Ajaero’s alleged terrorism charges and his efforts to manipulate the truth.
Idris, criticized Ajaero’s recent statements, where he claims that the government betrayed the labor movement by failing to honour a supposed agreement on a ₦70,000 minimum wage without a corresponding increase in fuel prices, are nothing but a desperate ploy to garner sympathy and deflect attention from his own criminal charges.
CDDN recalls that NLC and Ajaero openly recently betrayed the Nigerian people when they were desperate for their salary increase without taking cognizance of the plight of millions of ordinary people.
He said: “Ajaero’s sudden outcry, after months of inaction, is not only sad but also a testament to his disregard for the true interests of the Nigerian people.
“When Nigerians were facing unbearable hardship and called for nationwide protests, Ajaero and the NLC turned a blind eye. They refused to participate in the protests, prioritizing their minimum wage agreement over the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
“Now, faced with accusations of treason and alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government, Ajaero seeks to drag the NLC and the Nigerian people into his personal legal battles. This is a clear attempt to use the labour movement as a shield to escape justice.
“The CDDN categorically states that Joe Ajaero must carry his cross alone. Nigerians will not be deceived by his tactics. It is evident that Ajaero is not acting in the best interests of the Nigerian people but is instead using their genuine grievances as a smokescreen to protect himself from prosecution.
“The Nigeria Police’s accusation of treason against Ajaero is a serious matter that must be addressed in court, and the NLC should not be used as a pawn in this dangerous game by Ajaero whose interest and that of the downtrodden that need real salvation are in dissonance.”
The CDDN calls on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist being manipulated by those who exploit genuine public grievances for personal advantage.
The organization pledges to continue advocating for justice, transparency, and the democratic dividends that Nigerians rightfully deserve.