TUC endorses Shehu Mohammed, warns against parallel ASCSN leadership

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

By Moses Okorie

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has reaffirmed Comrade Shehu Mohammed as the recognised leader of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), cautioning individuals and groups against claiming to represent the union without proper authorisation.

TUC Secretary General, Comrade General N.A. Toro, PhD, mni, made the position known in a circular issued on behalf of the Congress.

The labour centre said its recognition of the Shehu Mohammed-led administration was based on ASCSN’s affiliation with TUC, the union’s established democratic procedures and the outcome of its Delegates Conference held on August 12, 2024, at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The conference, according to TUC, was witnessed by the Registrar of Trade Unions in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Amos Falonipe, as well as TUC President General, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and Toro.

The Congress expressed concern over the activities of what it described as “unauthorised individuals and groups” allegedly parading themselves as ASCSN leaders or representatives.

It said such activities could create confusion, undermine the unity of the union and negatively affect industrial relations.

TUC also addressed claims by some individuals who rely on a lower court judgment to assert leadership of ASCSN.

According to the Congress, the judgment is currently being challenged at the Court of Appeal by the Shehu Mohammed-led administration and remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing judicial process.

“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 statement said.

The Congress consequently directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners and members of the public to channel official dealings concerning ASCSN through the leadership headed by Shehu Mohammed.

It further urged security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to take note of what it described as alleged acts of impersonation and illegality and investigate appropriately.

TUC maintained that persons outside the recognised leadership of the union had no mandate to negotiate, transact or otherwise act on behalf of ASCSN.

It added that any engagement undertaken with individuals it considers unauthorised would not receive the recognition of Congress.

The labour centre said it remained committed to using lawful institutional and industrial processes to protect ASCSN, preserve discipline within the labour movement and uphold democratic trade union practices.

TUC called on all stakeholders to respect established union structures and due process while awaiting the final resolution of the legal dispute.