WorldStage Newsonline– President Bola Tinubu has sent his condolence to the family of Comrade Ali Chiroma over the passing of the elder statesman.
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Chiroma was the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and held various positions within the trade union hierarchy.
Ngelale said the President sympathised with the Chiroma 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, Tinubu said Chiroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most.
He said Tinubu prayed to Almighty Allah to grant repose to the soul of the departed while assuring the family of the elder statesman of his thoughts and prayers in this moment of grief.
The Deputy President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Mr Tommy Okon said that the death of 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.
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.
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.
