The Trade Union Congress has responded to recent comments made by President Bola Tinubu, expressing disappointment with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the TUC.

Tinubu criticized the unions for their perceived entanglement in Nigerian politics and accused them of instigating protests just nine months into his administration.

Inaugurating the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, Tinubu warned that the labour unions were not the only voices to be heard in the country.

Responding to the criticism, TUC President Festus Osifo defended the fundamental right of citizens to protest and addressed Tinubu’s suggestion that they wait until 2027 to enter politics.

“I listened to that comment yesterday where he [President Tinubu] said that we should wait till 2027 if we want to contest for election. For me, I can speak for the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. For us, we’re not politicians. We are unionists. The right to protest is the fundamental right of every Nigerian,” Osifo stated during an interview on Channels Television.

Osifo emphasized that the TUC is not aligned with any political party and is solely focused on the welfare of its members and the Nigerian masses.

He found Tinubu’s comment about waiting until 2027 to enter politics alien to the union’s mission, emphasizing the need to address lingering issues leading to protests.

“There are lingering issues. The fact that you’re going to protest or strike something led to it. Those fundamental issues should have to be addressed,” Osifo added.

The TUC remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian population.