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By Ifeoma Ikem
The President of the Precision Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), Comrade Rufus Olusesan, has warned Nigerian workers against allowing politicians to compromise their integrity and dignity.
Speaking at the 1st Quadrennial State Delegates Conference of the Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Olusesan emphasized that independence is the lifeblood of trade unionism.
“Without independence, unions lose their voice, their courage, and their ability to represent the true interests of workers,” he said.
“Independence means freedom from undue political interference, corporate manipulation, or state suppression. It means unions can negotiate, advocate, and, when necessary, challenge unjust systems without fear or compromise.”
Olusesan highlighted the importance of discipline in trade unionism, noting that independence without discipline can lead to chaos and weakened solidarity.
He cited examples from global struggles, including the weakening of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) after it became tied to the ruling party, and the success of militant unions in Argentina and Brazil that maintained their independence and discipline.
In Nigeria, Olusesan painted a grim picture of a triple crisis: spiraling inflation, mass unemployment, and rising authoritarianism. He emphasized the need for unions to remain united, strategic, and focused on the collective good, rather than individual or factional interests.
“Union independence also demands financial discipline. A union that cannot fund its activities without relying on state subventions or backdoor corporate sponsorship will struggle to maintain its autonomy,” he said.
The PERESSA president called on the conference to be a rallying point for a new phase of workers’ struggles in Lagos and Nigeria at large.
“We must defend the principle that trade unions are the collective property of workers, not platforms for political opportunists. Even as we must insist on democratic decision-making, periodic reporting, and the right of members to recall any leader who betrays the cause.”
As the conference drew to a close, workers were enjoined to remain vigilant and defend their rights and dignity.
The working class remains the backbone of society, and it is only through independent, disciplined, and democratic unions that they can wage consistent struggle against exploitation and oppression.
