Rise up and save democracy, Hashim urges Labour

Former presidential candidate and former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called on the Nigerian labour movement to take a more active and central role in safeguarding the country’s democracy. This is as he lamented that Nigeria is gradually sliding towards authoritarianism. Hashim made the call during a visit to […]

Former presidential candidate and former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called on the Nigerian labour movement to take a more active and central role in safeguarding the country’s democracy.
This is as he lamented that Nigeria is gradually sliding towards authoritarianism.
Hashim made the call during a visit to the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajero on the state of the nation and the role of workers in sustaining democratic governance.
According to him, the history of Nigeria’s growth cannot be separated from the sacrifices and contributions of the working class, stressing that labour has always been at the forefront of major political and social transformations in the country.
“Labour played a key role in the struggle for independence, and the working class was also a major force in our effort to end military dictatorship,” he said, noting that the current democratic dispensation must equally benefit from such vigilance and commitment.
Hashim warned that democracy risks losing its value if the welfare of citizens, particularly workers, is neglected, urging political leaders to refocus governance on policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He emphasized that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people, adding that when workers are marginalized, the legitimacy of democratic institutions is weakened.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the labour movement, Hashim recalled his days as a student union leader in the 1980s, where he actively supported workers’ struggles and social justice campaigns.
Hashim commended the current leadership of the NLC, particularly Ajaero, for what he described as steadfast and courageous leadership in defending workers’ rights despite mounting pressures and intimidation.