By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Despite a pending legal dispute over the presidency of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has officially declared Comrade Shehu Mohammed as the union’s recognized leader.
According to the TUC, this decision reflects the outcome of the ASCSN Delegates Conference convened at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on August 12, 2024.
“The leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) under Comrade Shehu Mohammed remains the only duly recognised and legitimate leadership of the union,” TUC declared, in a circular emailed to PerSecondNews on Monday by the TUC Secretary General, Comrade Gen. N.A. Toro.
It said the conference was observed by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Amos Falonipe, TUC President General, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Gen. N.A. Toro.
TUC maintained that its position was consistent with the recognition of ASCSN as a bona fide affiliate of Congress, the internal democratic processes of the union and the principles guiding the Trade Union movement in Nigeria.
The Congress also cited established statutory and industrial relations procedures in reaffirming the Shehu Mohammed-led administration.
TUC expressed serious concern over the activities of unauthorised individuals and groups allegedly 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,” it declared.
The Congress also challenged the reliance of the alleged rival groups on a lower court judgment, describing such reliance as misleading and legally untenable.
TUC explained that the judgment is currently under appeal at the Court of Appeal by the Comrade Shehu Mohammed-led administration.
“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,” it maintained.
The Congress consequently advised all ministries, departments and agencies, employers, development partners and the general public to deal strictly and exclusively with the Shehu Mohammed-led leadership on all matters relating to ASCSN.
TUC also drew the attention of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant law enforcement bodies, to what it described as acts of illegality and impersonation.
The Congress urged the agencies to investigate the matter and take necessary action to restrain, prosecute and deter the alleged offenders.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any individual or group outside the recognised leadership of the Shehu Mohammed-led ASCSN lacked the mandate and legitimacy to act on behalf of the union,” the Congress maintained.
It further declared that any engagement, negotiation or transaction conducted with such unauthorised persons or groups would be regarded as null, void and of no consequence.
The Congress warned that parties who choose to interact with or accord recognition to such alleged impostors would do so entirely at their own risk.
It also cautioned that any person, institution or agency that deals with the unauthorised elements could be deemed complicit in aiding illegality.
TUC pledged to deploy all lawful, institutional and industrial mechanisms to defend its affiliate, uphold discipline within the labour movement and protect the sanctity of democratic trade union processes.
The Congress called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant, respect due process and support what it described as the legitimate structures of ASCSN.
The TUC position adds a fresh layer to the prolonged ASCSN leadership dispute, after the National Industrial Court affirmed Innocent Bola-Audu as president in its April 15, 2026 judgment.
The Mohammed-led faction has appealed the ruling, while TUC has maintained its recognition of Mohammed.
Author
Leave a comment