Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigeria Labour congress and the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, have mourned the passing of a former labour president, Comrade Ali Chiroma.
Tinubu sent his deepest condolences to the Chiroma’s family over the passing of the elder statesman, sympathised with the family, the organised labour community, and everyone impacted by this painful loss.
Recalling the endeavours of the former labour leader at a trying time in the life of the nation, the president, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, said Chiroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and doggedly defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most. He, however, prayed Almighty Allah to grant repose to the soul of the departed while assuring the family of the deceased of his thoughts and prayers in this moment of grief.
Buhari, in a release, noted that the deceased left behind notable contributions to the economy and the labour movement well beyond the borders of the nation.
“Ali Chiroma was indomitable. Full of life, insightful and fearless as a leader. He leaves behind a notable contribution to the labour movement and to my political career as an ardent supporter, who stood by me before and during my years in the office of president.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Borno State. May Allah give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he prayed.
The NLC described Chiroma as a nationalist and a globalist, who played active roles in building and strengthening the trade union network in Africa and the globe.
In a statement by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour movement, which noted that Chiroma served as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress from 1984 to 1988, said during his tenure, he exhibited unwavering dedication, unyielding commitment, and exceptional leadership that steered the NLC through challenging times.
According to Ajaero, the deceased played very active role in his primary constituency; the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) from where he was elected President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
He described Chiroma as a “nationalist and a globalist, who played active roles in building and strengthening the trade union network in Africa and the globe, adding that, his contributions in the trade union sector remained indelible.
Expressing shock at his death, the immediate past President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, described him as an epitome of courage and character.
He said Chiroma served as the President of the NLC in the hey days of military rule, adding that he served tall with gusto and pride despite the heavily mined field of military dictatorship.
On his part, Zulum, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, said, “I sympathise with the family and relatives of late Comrade Ali Chiroma. No doubt the death of a loved one is painful, but as Muslims, we all believe every soul shall taste death. I, therefore, urge you to take solace in Almighty Allah.
“Ali Chiroma was a true champion of the working class, a fearless leader, who dedicated his life to the welfare of Nigerian workers across the nation. He shall be remembered for his doggedness and dedication to the cause of Nigerian workers.”
The governor commiserated with the Borno Elders Forum over the loss of one of their dedicated members.
