The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has reaffirmed Comrade Shehu Mohammed as the duly recognised leader of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), warning individuals and groups against parading themselves as representatives of the union.
In a public circular signed by the TUC Secretary General, Comrade General N.A. Toro, PhD, mni, the Congress said the Shehu Mohammed-led administration remains the recognised leadership of ASCSN.
The TUC said its position was based on ASCSN’s status as an affiliate of Congress, the union’s internal democratic processes and the outcome of its Delegates Conference held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on August 12, 2024.
According to the statement, the conference was observed by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Amos Falonipe, as well as the TUC President General, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General, Comrade General N.A. Toro.
The Congress said it had observed with concern the activities of what it described as “unauthorized individuals and groups” allegedly presenting themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN.
It warned that such activities could undermine the unity and institutional integrity of the labour movement and potentially affect industrial relations.
The TUC further stated that some individuals were relying on a lower court judgment in their claim to ASCSN leadership, but said the judgment was currently being challenged at the Court of Appeal by the Shehu Mohammed-led administration.
“Accordingly, until the final determination of these matters by competent courts, these individuals lack any lawful authority to act, represent, or transact on behalf of ASCSN,” the Congress stated.
The TUC therefore advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners and members of the public to deal exclusively with the ASCSN leadership under Comrade Shehu Mohammed on matters concerning the union.
The Congress also called the attention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to what it described as acts of illegality and impersonation, urging appropriate investigation and action.
The TUC maintained that individuals or groups outside the recognised leadership of the Shehu Mohammed-led ASCSN lacked the mandate to act on behalf of the union.
It further warned that engagements, negotiations or transactions conducted with persons it considers unauthorised would have no recognition from Congress.
The labour centre said it would deploy lawful institutional and industrial mechanisms to defend ASCSN, maintain discipline within the labour movement and protect what it described as democratic trade union processes.
The TUC urged stakeholders to respect due process and recognise the established structures of ASCSN pending the determination of the ongoing legal proceedings.
