By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Organised labour on Wednesday joined former presidential candidate, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, civil society groups, youth organisations, women leaders and other advocates to launch the Movement for Democratic Renewal, MDR, in Abuja amid concerns over governance, insecurity and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
Organisers said the movement was launched in response to concerns about weakening institutions, shrinking civic space and declining public trust in the electoral process.
They said it would focus on accountability, constitutional rule, electoral integrity and inclusion.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, who was represented by the Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Dr Steven Nabayi, called for closer cooperation between labour, civil society groups and political actors on issues affecting governance and democracy.
“We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country.
“Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it,” Nabayi said.
Addressing the gathering, Olawepo-Hashim said the movement was established to defend democracy, strengthen institutions and promote governance that reflects the interests of citizens.
“Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim said rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira were eroding workers’ earnings and reducing the impact of wage increases.
He said Nigeria needed policies that would stabilise the currency, boost productivity, expand local production and strengthen energy security through increased domestic refining capacity.
“Labour and true progressive leaders must continue to work hand in hand to protect democracy and advance the interests of the people,” Olawepo-Hashim said.
The former presidential candidate also expressed concern over insecurity and called for stronger protection of lives and property across the country.
The event drew hundreds of participants from across the country, including labour leaders, trade union representatives, civil society organisations, political stakeholders, youth groups and women’s organisations.
Organisers described the MDR as a coalition of trade unionists, political actors, civil society organisations and citizens committed to democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, social justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
They said the movement emerged from concerns over shrinking civic space, weakening institutions and declining public trust in the electoral process.
Olawepo-Hashim and Ajaero were named Co-Chairmen of the movement. Representatives of various industrial unions attended the launch.
