JUSUN Rejects APC Claims, Defends Labour Movement Tour in Osun

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JUSUN Rejects APC Claims, Defends Labour Movement Tour in Osun

By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, has dismissed allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding a recent tour of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by labour leaders in the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, the union described the APC’s position as misleading, insisting that the claims were an attempt to politicise routine union activities.

The opposition party had alleged that the Joint Labour Movement, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), was involved in questionable dealings, including a purported N300 million fund linked to the visit.

But Adeniran refuted the claim, stating that “the Joint Labour Movement is not a self styled entity but a globally recognised collaborative framework where the NLC, TUC and JNC unite to bargain for workers’ welfare,” adding that “to describe it as illegal only exposes ignorance of industrial relations.”

He explained that the visit to MDAs was part of the union’s statutory responsibility to engage with workers and assess their welfare.

“The scheduled visit has absolutely nothing to do with any imaginary N300 million fund or political campaigning,” he said.
The JUSUN chairman also took a swipe at the APC, recalling what he described as the party’s past record in handling workers’ welfare in the state.

“It is ironic that those associated with the era of ‘Igibiti’ and stagnation of workers’ promotions are now claiming to be concerned about taxpayers’ money,” he said.
Adeniran warned political parties against interfering in labour matters, stressing the need to respect the independence of unions.

“We urge political parties to steer clear of our internal union activities.

JUSUN and its affiliates remain focused on workers’ welfare, including prompt salary payments and the clearing of outstanding arrears,” he added.

He maintained that workers in the state would not be misled by political narratives, noting that “the workers of Osun are too informed to be manipulated by those with no record of worker friendly policies.”

Adeniran reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the ongoing tour, stating, “we remain united, undeterred, and fully committed to the Joint Labour Movement’s activities.”