The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, Lagos State, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Lagos State Council election was suspended over the alleged imposition of a candidate.
The report had alleged that some members of ASCSN, in collaboration with the Lagos State TUC chair, tried to present someone who was not a financial member to contest in the August 27 election.
According to the report, this move was resisted by stakeholders because it allegedly undermined due process, violated constitutional provisions, and compromised congress autonomy and members’ rights.
However, ASCSN in a statement, described the report as false.The body urged members and the public to disregard it.
The statement reads in part:
“Let it be clear that the resistance at the election venue was not because a candidate was imposed, as alleged. The real drama was the outright rejection of another candidate, who was busy auditioning for a race he was never even nominated for. Imagine a man trying to win a marathon without a bib number or even running shoes—such was the tragedy-turned-comedy of his ambition.
“The facts, however, remains that one candidate was duly endorsed by ASCSN Lagos State Branch, ASCSN National CWC, and was transmitted to TUC National, and his nomination form was signed by the National President and Secretary-General of our great Union in line with the election guidelines of TUC. That is the law, the procedure and the fact.
“The other person had nothing—no nomination. If he claims he was nominated, the Branch Exco challenges him to produce his letter of nomination signed by the National Body of our Union. For the record, he was never in the race. His ambition only exists in his imagination.
“His disregard for the ASCSN Constitution, especially Rule 13 (vii), is legendary, having treated the decisions of the Central Working Committee as mere suggestions, only to remember the constitution when it suits him.
“As for those following him, the less said, the better. Many of them are retirees and near-retirees who, instead of enjoying their pensions, have chosen to stay active in union matters. Because they are often available, they are easily mobilised once some incentives are offered.
“They move from WhatsApp group to the the other whatsap group, sltirring debates and spreading rumours. In truth, their activism is not powered by principle but by temporary inducements.
The group sympathised with those involved over what it described as a tragicomedy, explaining that men who once had been reduced to mere spectators, clapping on command for paymasters.
The statement further said:
“For us in ASCSN Lagos State branch, the matter is simple: truth can not be buried by gossip, and facts can not be replaced by fables. No orchestra of idle hands can drown out the voice of logic, nor can the bitterness of a few outweigh the mandate of many.
“We also commend the unwavering commitment and resilience demonstrated by past chairmen and other ASCSN veterans who prioritised truth during this pivotal period in the Union’s history.
“We therefore urge our members and the public to treat the rantings of these individuals as what they are—mere distractions, not information. The destiny of ASCSN will not be decided by hired voices but by the collective will of disciplined, responsible members.”
