Ajaero, who extol the qualities of Lenin in shaping the trade unions across the globe, said that questioned "how can we change our nation if we remain deeply divided unfortunately believing in the narrative and propaganda manufactured by our oppressors?
The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero has called on Nigerian working class and indeed all Nigerians to join hands with the organised labour as it prepares to negotiate the national minimum wage with the government this year.
Ajaero who made the call in an address at the International Lenin Centenary Conference held in Abuja on Monday, urged that negotiation of the national minimum wage should not be seen as a struggle for the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) but a collective struggle.
"I request that we all join hands together from the beginning of the negotiation exercise to the end of it and to its ultimate implementation so that we can overcome those who have already made up their minds to pay Nigerians a starvation wage. We seek for a Living Wage and it is only when we work together as comrades that we can achieve this," NLC president said.
Ajaero, who extol the qualities of Lenin in shaping the trade unions across the globe, said that questioned "how can we change our nation if we remain deeply divided unfortunately believing in the narrative and propaganda manufactured by our oppressors?
"How can we change our nation if we do not speak with one voice and act with one purpose as a group that is holding the wrong end of stick at all times? I ask why have we found it difficult to work together under one political umbrella to project our ideals, build it and use it to creatively take over the reins of power in our nation?"
He explained that the Lenin Centenary celebration has offered the labour unions an singular opportunity to rethink on its "political strategy" as a class and make it more practical to avoid the mistakes "we have made since 1999."
He maintained that a "People United, will never be defeated," and "A people determined, will be victorious."
"Comrades remember, when we stand alone, our chances are slim but when we stand together, we are able to achieve our collective interests. Lenin who was not a worker in the classical sense understood this and championed the cause of workers in the globe. I therefore ask today, are there men and women here who are willing to tread the same path Lenin followed?
"Are there comrades here who are not workers in the classical sense but understand that our interests are the same thus have made up their minds to join the struggle for a better Nigeria which must begin by enthroning equity in our world of work?
"In the spirit of Leninism, I invite you to join us! In remembrance of this great framework, I invite all men and women who are prepared to be beaten for the sake of workers and the poor; those who are prepared to suffer bruises and those who are prepared to be deprived so that our nation will become more equitable! To them, I say come! Let the march begin built upon the banner Lenin has provided!
"This celebration will be in vain if we do not arise from this place today resolved to work together, determined to make a difference in our nation and committed to reclaiming the civic space by building and empowering cadres across the nation; the Universities and tertiary educational institutions and the streets and workplaces and use it to bring an end to the march of forces of brigandage and emasculation in our society. This will be the true celebration and that is what Lenin will have us do."
He added, "The centenary of Leninism invites us to engage in a nuanced and critical analysis of its principles in the context of contemporary global challenges. While the world has evolved since the early 20th century, the core concerns of Leninism – social inequality, class struggle, and the role of the state – remain pertinent. As we navigate the complexities of our current reality, let us draw inspiration from the insights of Leninism to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue on creating a more just and equitable world for all."