Nigeria Union of Mine Workers kicks against the sale of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Nigeria Union of Mine Workers has reiterated its opposition to the planned sale of the Ajaokuta Steel Company to any private sector and expressed determination and readiness to work for the development of the Company if operation commences.
National Treasurer of the Union, Comrade Yusuf Osobah, who represented the National President of the Union, Alhaji Hamza Mohammed, at the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Committee of the Ajaokuta branch of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers at the NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja, said it will be counter-productive, retrogressive and tantamount to selling the God-given Commonwealth to some few privileged individuals or groups who have crippled the economic and political fortunes of the count
He said that handing over the Ajaokuta Steel Company to any individual or group will finally seal the future development of the country’s economy and widen the already overstretched unemployment situation.
Comrade Yusuf Osobah warned that the ongoing conspiracy theory against Ajaokuta will boomerang on all Nigerians in the future, pointing out that the whole world looks up to iron and steel for infrastructural development.
He advised the Federal Government to redirect its wasteful spending to the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company to support the economy and guarantee the future of Nigerians, as oil can no longer be reliable.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to recall the Russians to work at Ajaokuta and also disregard insinuations on Covid-19 pandemic in Kogi State.
While inaugurating the newly elected officials of the Union, the National President, Alhaji Hamza Mohammed represented by the National Treasurer, Comrade Yusuf Osobah, charged them to be committed to their responsibilities, dedicated to the course of the Union and support the ideals of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
They are also to enlist and organize similar Labour unions in several mining companies across the state as Kogi is littered with several Minerals exploitation and development companies.
The ceremony was attended by the Controller of Labour Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, NLC, TUC and other Trade Unions in Kogi State.
The newly elected officials include Comrade Obokor Newlife (Chairman), Comrade Ocheni Salifu (Vice-Chairman), Comrade Habib Musa (Treasurer), Comrade Falade Deola Ayinke (Assist Secretary), Comrade Mohammed (Organising Secretary), Comrade Amonahini Omonayin Moses, Financial Secretary and Comrade Dahunsi Charity Atinuke.
Others are Comrade Kabiru Isah Ajana (PRO 1), Comrade Icha Robert (PRO11), Comrade Ibrahim Sheidu (Auditor) and Comrade Binta Fatima Usman ( Women Leader).
The State Secretary of the Union, Comrade Momoh jimoh Salami, who organized and conducted the election explained that the process was very peaceful as the exercise was by consensus and affirmation.
