A former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ali Ciroma, has been buried in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
He died at the age of 91 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) following a prolonged illness.
Thousands of mourners gathered at his family home for the funeral prayer.
Ciroma was interred at the ancient Gwange graveyard in Maiduguri.
During his tenure as NLC president, Ciroma vehemently opposed the removal of fuel subsidy and the implementation of a structural adjustment programme (SAP) by President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
He organized rallies and protests with state chapters against the policies, earning recognition as a champion of Nigerian workers’ rights.
Although Ciroma was removed from his position by the military government when the union was dissolved in 1988, he later reemerged in labour affairs as the sole administrator of NUPENG during Abacha’s regime.
Tinubu, Buhari, Zulum mourn
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commiserated with the family of the late Ali Ciroma over the passing of the elder statesman.
President Tinubu, in his condolence message signed by Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesman, sympathised with the Ciroma family, and the organized labour community over the painful loss.
President Tinubu affirmed that Ciroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and doggedly defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari said the deceased left behind notable contributions to the economy and the labour movement well beyond the borders of the nation.
Mallam Garba Shehu, spokesman to Buhari said, “Ali Ciroma 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.”
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed sorrow over Ciroma’s passing, describing him as a fearless leader and advocate for the working class.
Governor Zulum praised Ciroma’s dedication to Nigerian workers’ welfare and acknowledged his significant contributions to labour movements during his tenure as NLC president from 1984 to 1988.
He extended condolences to Ciroma’s family and prayed for the repose of his soul. He also expressed sympathy to the Borno Elders Forum for the loss of one of their esteemed members.
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