TUC Warns Against Rival ASCSN Leadership, Backs Shehu Mohammed

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has declared the Comrade Shehu Mohammed-led administration of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) as the only legitimate leadership of the union, warning government agencies, employers and other stakeholders against dealing with rival groups.

The declaration was contained in a public circular signed by the TUC secretary-general, Comrade General N.A. Toro, in which the congress said its position was based on ASCSN’s status as a bona fide affiliate of the TUC and the outcome of the union’s delegates conference held in Lagos on August 12, 2024.

According to the circular, the conference, held in Ikeja, Lagos was observed by the registrar of trade unions in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Amos Falonipe, as well as TUC president-general, Comrade Festus Osifo and Toro.

The TUC said the conference was conducted in accordance with established statutory and industrial relations procedures, adding that the outcome remained the basis for its recognition of the Shehu Mohammed-led administration.

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

It said such activities constituted more than an internal union dispute, warning that they could undermine the unity and discipline of the labour movement and threaten industrial peace.

The TUC further rejected reliance by the alleged rival groups on a lower court judgment, describing such reliance as misleading and legally untenable because the judgment had been appealed by the Shehu Mohammed-led administration at the Court of Appeal.

It therefore maintained that until the courts finally determine the matter, those challenging the recognized leadership have no lawful authority to represent or transact business on behalf of ASCSN.

The congress consequently directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners and members of the public to deal exclusively with the Shehu Mohammed-led leadership on all matters concerning ASCSN.

The TUC also called the attention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to the alleged impersonation and urged them to investigate and take appropriate action against those involved.

The congress warned that engagements, negotiations or transactions conducted with individuals outside the recognized leadership would not be considered valid, urging stakeholders to exercise caution.

It also pledged to use lawful institutional and industrial mechanisms to defend ASCSN and preserve what it described as the sanctity of democratic processes within the trade union movement.

The circular reads in parts, “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) wishes to inform all affiliates, social partners, government institutions, employers, and the general public that the leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) under Comrade Shehu Mohammed remains the only duly recognized and legitimate leadership of the union.

Congress has observed with serious concern the activities of unauthorized individuals and groups parading themselves as leaders or representatives of ASCSN.”

“These actions are not only illegal and impersonating but constitute a direct affront to the unity, discipline, and institutional integrity of the labour movement, capable of undermining industrial peace and national stability.”

Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), employers, development partners, and the general public are hereby advised to deal strictly and exclusively with the leadership of ASCSN under Comrade Shehu Mohammed on all matters relating to the union.

The TUC will deploy all lawful, institutional, and industrial mechanisms to defend its affiliate, uphold discipline within the movement, and protect the sanctity of democratic trade union processes.”