April 1, 2015 – The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Nigeria has congratulated former military ruler, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on his victory at the 2015 general election.
The TUC however warned that this is not the time for elaborate celebration but to get to work. In a statement, President and Secretary of the union, Comrades Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal said he was elected for his reputation for honesty among Nigeria’s politicians, both military and civilian.
“What the country needs now is to regain our lost glory as a nation. We look forward to seeing an end to lateness to work again, end to corruption and sanity in the system”, the TUC said
The Congress warned that this is neither the time to fight nor is it the time for name calling.
“This is not the time to witch-hunt anybody, nor a time to spend our money on advertorials. This is rather the time to work. This is the time to fix the Ajaokuta steel mill company, the roads and create jobs for our army of youths. This is the time to restore our national carrier (Nigerian Airways). This is the time to tame impunity at all levels. Most importantly, this is the time to restore the dignity of our currency and provide solution to workers agitations”, the TUC said.
It called on the President-elect to involve good hands, party affiliations notwithstanding all for the good of the country. It applauded the President-elect for his doggedness and refusal to quit despite the defeat he suffered in the last three elections.
The union also commended His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for congratulating his opponent even before the process of declaring the results were officially concluded.
“What President Jonathan has done is a proof that election is indeed not a do-or-die affair. The move is commendable the union said.
The congress urged the President-elect to always remember his campaign promises to Nigerians which were the basis upon which he was elected.
“Again, he must know that irrespective of the number of votes he got from individual states, there is no part of the country where he was not noted for. By implication it means that he is the president of Nigeria and father to all. Muslims, Christians, pegans, etc voted for him because they believe in him. As such, we don’t wish to see the issue of religion, tribalism, nepotism, which have always been the bane of Nigeria’s development rear their ugly heads in the next dispensation”, TUC said.
The TUC explained that the responsibility of Buhari as it now involves the poor of the whole country.