Let’s Think & Talk With Prof. Alex O. A. Akpodiete: Do We Need ASUU & Labour Unions In A Democracy?

In light of the on-going strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), strike by medical doctors and the threatened strike by other unions, it is worth examining the need of unions such as ASUU & NLC in a democracy.

It is an interesting coincidence that the founding President of NLC in 1978 was Wahab Goodluck, while our current President is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Which Goodluck will win? The one that founded NLC or the one that was bold enough to remove fuel subsidy?

According to the NLC, it has 29-40 affiliate unions (including ASUU) all with a total of about 4 million members. In a country with a population of over 160 million, that amounts to less than 3%.

Historically, NLC was very vocal during the military regimes, especially the regimes of General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha. The IBB vs. NLC case was related to NLC's opposition of the 1988 Structural Adjustment Plan, while Abacha's goose was NLC's call for a return to democratic rule in 1994. However, when our current democratic dispensation was ushered in, many of the anti-Labour laws were repealed.

It now begs the question whether we really need ASUU or Labour Unions (NLC, TUC) in a democratic and capitalist society?

The 2012 NLC strike was not unique, especially since it was related to fuel prices. NLC embarked on a general in June 2000 to protest increases in the prices of petroleum products. Also, in July 2003, a nationwide general strike was called off after nine days after government agrees to lower recently-increased fuel prices. In September 2004, NLC threatened a strike over re-introduction of fuel tax by the Obasanjo regime. Also, in 2009, another showdown was avoided over the same fuel subsidy removal.

ASUU on the other hand has gone on strike at least 12 times since 1999. In fact within the past 14 years, the union has actually gone on strike for over 1,100 days). The chat below does not include strikes that they joined NLC.

The interesting thing is that increase in fuel prices are really not Labour matters. So, clearly NLC may be over-stepping its mission. From its website, www.nlc.org, the NLC seems to have a very broad mission statement as follows:

The mission of the Nigeria Labour Congress is to organise, unionise and educate all categories of Nigerian workers; defend and advance the political, economic, social and cultural rights of Nigerian workers; emancipate and unite Nigerian workers and people from all forms of exploitation and discrimination;

Of the 16 broad aims of the NLC, one can make a colorable argument that embarking on strikes because of fuel subsidy removal falls under Aims Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 10:

The fundamental aims and objective of Congress are to protect, defend and promote the rights, well-being and the interests of all workers, pensioners and the trade unions; to promote and defend a Nigerian nation that would be just, democratic, transparent and prosperous and to advance the cause of the working class generally through the attainment of the following:

i. To continually promote, defend and advance the economic, political and

social well-being of Nigerian workers;
ii. To promote and defend the rights, well-being and interests of workers in the work-place and society;

iii. To promote and defend the rights, well-being and interest of pensioners and ensure their recognition by the Society;

iv. To continually enhance the quality of life and improve the income and other working conditions of workers;

x. To continually strive to influence public corporate policies and legislation on all issues at all levels, in the interest of workers, disadvantaged social groups and trade unions;

What is worrisome is that NLC has essentially become an opposition political party. In fact, formation of a political party was seriously considered by it a la Labour Party. So, is the fuel subsidy strikes politically motivated? By being too political, NLC appears to have lost its objectivity. Also, by becoming a political party”” while still collecting membership dues, it has inadvertently (or intentionally) engaged in exploitation of the people it set out to defend.

Anyway, all of these issues concerning fuel subsidy removal and deregulation of the downstream oil sector center around the epileptic supply of electricity in the country. We should be looking at alternative sources of power generation. So what ever happened to the August 2008 agreement by Iran to share nuclear technology with Nigeria to help it increase its generation of electricity?

The real question is whether we still need NLC in a democracy? A viable opposition to the ruling party is what is needed. The problem is: do we have any viable opposition party? The man on the street will clearly tell you that NLC has become the voice of the voiceless. The recent nationwide strike clearly reveals the power and influence of NLC (and TUC).

However, I am not sure if those running around calling themselves “”Comrade”” know the real meaning of the word. It is a name not favourable in a democracy as it sterns from communism. Unless of course, we are not really interested in democracy and capitalism. Just like some of those who protested the removal of fuel subsidy did not really understand what fuel subsidy means or the fact that they may inadvertently be supporting corruption and the so-called ”cabal” that is benefiting from this ”fluid” fuel subsidy.

Of course there is confusion as some universities have resumed lectures, defying ASUU.

We should really examine what sort of future we want for our country and our children. Are we willing to make the sacrifices needed? We must answer this question individually and collectively or we will remain in the same situation a year from now. Remember that insanity is doing the same thing the same way and expecting the same result. Are we sane?