BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

*Oyenubi

Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employee Union (NUAAE) has taken a significant step towards unity and stability with the election of a new National President, Comrade Obafemi Oyenubi.

The development follows the successful reconciliation of factions within the union, facilitated by veteran union members.

The newly constituted national transition committee leadership includes, Comrade Benco Hameed Ademola (Deputy National President I), Comrade Aniedi Abasi Ekpo (Deputy National President II), and Comrade Segun Victor Alemeru (National Treasurer).

Also, the Regional Vice Presidents are Comrade Kabiru Haruna Mafara (North West), Comrade Ayodeji Frances (South West), Comrade Buhari Dame Tanimu (North East), Comrade Nwagu Christopher (South East), Comrade Joseph Sunday Asaolu (North Central) and Comrade Monday Okorocha (South-South).

As well as other officers, Comrade Saudat Abubakar (National Women Coordinator); Comrade Priscilla N Bulus (Deputy National Women Coordinator); Comrade Absalom Lansibo Akwara (Auditor I); Comrade Nwekwuru Vitus Amaechi (Auditor II); Comrade Ime Akpdiaha (PRO); and Comrade Moses Baba Umoru (Ag. General Secretary).

The union is affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress. The union’s history dates back to 1978 when various agricultural unions merged to form the Agricultural and Allied Workers Union of Nigeria.

Over the years, the union has changed, including a merger with the Agricultural and Allied Senior Staff Association in 2008 to form the Agricultural and Allied Employees’ Union of Nigeria.

However, some members disagreed with the merger and continued operating under the original name until 2019 when they finally merged into the AAEUN.

The union hailed President Bola Tinubu for signing the N70,000 per month National Minimum Wage Bill, 2024 into law on July 29.

The union also called for the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage by all states of the federation.

It urged state governments to take measures that would prevent wastage and leakages in their spending to facilitate the implementation of the new minimum wage.

It’s National President Com. Obafemi Oyenubi promised to continue to advocate for a strong and unwavering commitment to the unity and solidarity of members of the union.

In his words, ” I’m honoured to serve as your newly elected president. Thank you for your trust and support. Our union’s unity and strength are crucial in advancing our interests. I pledge to work tirelessly for better working conditions, fair compensation, and social justice. Let’s work together towards a brighter future.”

The union in a letter with reference number, NUAAE/NTC/2024/I/13 and dated 9th of November, 2024, to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, titled’; Re: Officers elected at NUAAE 2nd quadrennial national delegates conference on 19th March, 2024, stated that their attention has been drawn to a letter reference NO. FML&E/TUSIR/MI.1B/1/11/257 dated 10TH October 2024 with the above captioned.

” We are shocked by the content of the letter signed by Mohammed A Yusuf, the Director of Trade Union and Industrial Relations, recognizing an illegally formed body by the ousted former president, Mr. Anchaver.

“It is with great dismay to see the Ministry writing a letter of introduction of members of the Union and at the same time according to recognition. We know the position of the Ministry, which is neutral, is not ready to meddle with issues of industrial union matter. But usually act as an advocate. The credibility of this officer is questionable, backed with criminal intent and desired for personal gain orchestrated to dent your Ministry’s image and bring it to disrepute.

“We would like to bring to your notice that as a result of the unrelentless desire of the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress and the Union’s veterans, a reconciliatory body was established to bring to an end the conflict that has grounded this Union. You may wish to know that on different occasions, Mr. Anchaver/Tajudeen’s group woefully failed to attend the meetings.

“The good news is that the two conflicting groups have been peaceably fused on 9th November 2024 to form a formidable team of leadership. For your Ministry to be seen through a greedy officer, Mohammed A Yusuf, who is out to fill his pocket and belly, would enjoy fueling the crisis that the Nigeria Labour Congress and our past served leaders have committed time and energy to get solved call for questions.

“In the light of the above, We vehemently protest the action of your ministry on this letter and call for its withdrawal. This letter is copied by the NLC to be aware of the damaged intent from the Ministry”, the union stated.