President Bola Tinubu has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Comrade Ali Chiroma over the passing of the elder statesman.
Chiroma was former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and had held various positions within the trade union hierarchy.
Chiroma died on Tuesday night at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital during a brief illness at the age of 91. He served as NLC president between 1984 and 1988.
Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, 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 country, President Tinubu affirmed that Chiroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and doggedly defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most.
The president 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.
Also yesterday, Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, expressed his condolences over the demise of the veteran labour leader.
Buhari, through his media aide, Garba Shehu said the deceased left behind notable contributions to the economy and the labour movement well beyond the borders of Nigeria.
“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 said.
Similarly, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has expressed grief over the death of Chiroma.
Zulum’s message was contained in a statement by his aide on new media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi.
He said, “I sympathise with the family and relatives of the 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.”
The governor added, “Ali Chiroma was a true champion of the working class, a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of Nigerian workers. He shall be remembered for his doggedness and dedication to the cause of Nigerian workers.”
He was also the president of the defunct Rural Health Workers of Nigeria now known as the Medical and Health Workers Association, in 1960.
His constituency, the NLC, described Chiroma as a man whose efforts in shaping policies that safeguarded workers’ interests left an indelible mark on the labour movement.
NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, credited Pa Chiroma with advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, and social justice.
His legacy, the labour centre said, was marked by a tireless advocacy for the rights and welfare of workers and a passion for justice that inspired many.
As the labour community mourns, the NLC extended its condolences to his family, friends, and comrades, stating that Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma’s spirit and legacy will continue to inspire the pursuit of justice and the defense of workers’ rights.
The labour centre vowed to carry forth the torch of his noble legacy and remember him as a beacon of hope and a soldier to the very end.
