By Solomon OKPO
In every society, labour unions are meant to be the last line of defense for the oppressed worker, the voice that demands fairness in wages, equity in welfare, and dignity in the workplace. But what happens when those entrusted with this sacred duty barter away their conscience for the comfort of a government-issued car?
Let us not deceive ourselves. The moment a labour leader accepts a gift from the Governor, be it a car, a house, or even a well-furnished office, neutrality dies. Loyalty becomes traded, not to the union members whose dues oil the machinery of the union, but to the benefactor in government. This is not partnership; it is compromise dressed in fine clothing.
Today, many labour leaders no longer embody the spirit of the “Comrade.” They are not the fearless voices of the factory floor, the lecture halls, or the hospital wards. They are instead willing merchants of compromise, content to feather their own nests while workers groan under inflation, wage stagnation, and poor conditions of service. Their pockets are full, but the hands of their members remain empty.
And let us stretch this hypocrisy further. The Governor is currently building judiciary quarters for judges, Senior Advocates, and lawyers. A noble gesture, some may argue. But tomorrow, when the Chief Judge is confronted with a matter that pits the State against an opposition voice, can we honestly expect fairness? Gifts from government are not free; they come with invisible strings tied to loyalty. It is trade by barter, plain and simple.
The tragedy of our democracy is not just corrupt politicians, it is compromised institutions. When the judiciary bends because of gifts, justice is mortgaged. When labour leaders bow because of cars, the workers are betrayed. And when citizens shrug in silence, society normalizes betrayal as leadership.
A true union leader must resist the temptation of personal gain. Leadership is sacrifice, not comfort. It is about being hated today but respected tomorrow. The workers do not need union leaders who dine with the Governor at night and chant “solidarity forever” in the morning. They need men and women of spine, who can look power in the face and say, “Not until the welfare of my people is guaranteed.”
Until then, Nigerian workers remain orphans in a house full of supposed fathers.
