The Deputy President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Mr Tommy Okon, has said that the death of the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ali Ciroma, came at a time when his counsel was most needed.
Okon spoke in Lagos on Wednesday when he reacted, among other union leaders, to the death of Ciroma on Tuesday.
Similarly, some stakeholders in the labour sector paid tributes to Ciroma in separate interviews, describing his death as a great loss to the trade union movement.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, Okon said: “The death of Ciroma is a colossal loss for the trade union movement.
“However, we pray to God to forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest; we pray for his family to be consoled.
“We pray for the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero and the entire trade union movement, to be comforted.
Ciroma had fought a good fight and left an indelible print on the sands of time.
Also, the Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described Ciroma’s death as painful.
“His death is not only painful but also a great loss to all; his contributions to the development of the labour movement and industrial relations in general is worthy of emulation,” Oyerinde said.
Also, the General Secretary, TUC, Mr Nuhu Toro, said that the late Ciroma was one of the greatest unionist.
“Ciroma’s death is a huge loss to the trade union movement in Nigeria, Africa and the globe. He was one of our finest unionists.
“His exit, no doubt, has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, we pray to God to forgive his shortcomings”.
The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, said that Ciroma exhibited unwavering dedication, unyielding commitment and exceptional leadership that steered the congress through challenging times.
“His legacy is woven into the fabrics of the labour movement, marked by his tireless advocacy for the rights and welfare of workers across the country.
“Pa Ciroma stood as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden, tirelessly championing their cause.
“He never ceased to be actively involved in our activities as he refused to allow the disruptive challenges of old age to stop him from lending his strong voice and profound opinions to shaping issues affecting the workers and the masses,” he said.
NAN reports that the late Ciroma served as the President of NLC from 1984 to 1988.
He died at the age of 91 years at the University of Maidugiri Teaching Hospital, Borno, on Tuesday.(NAN)
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