Why Kebbi gov’s labour background suits Tinubu’s campaign role — Aide

File photo: Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris.

The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi State Governor, Abdullahi Idris, has described Governor Nasir Idris’ appointment to head the Directorate of Labour Union Relations in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Council as strategic and well-deserved.

Idris, in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, said the governor’s decades of experience in organised labour, coupled with his political influence, made him suitable for the assignment.

He described the appointment as “a clear case of putting a round peg in a round hole.”

He added, “Comrade Governor Idris brings decades of labour leadership experience to this responsibility, having served as Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers at both local and state levels, National Treasurer and President of NUT, and later Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.”

He said Idris’ contributions to the labour movement included landmark reforms that saw teachers’ retirement age extended from 60 to 65 years and their years of service from 35 to 40 years.

He added that the governor had also demonstrated his ability to mediate between government and labour unions during industrial disputes.

“His capacity to build bridges between government and organised labour has been repeatedly demonstrated. His role in resolving labour disputes has also been acknowledged by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris,” he continued.

The governor’s aide further noted that prominent labour leaders, both past and present, had sought Governor Idris’ counsel on national labour matters.

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“Comrades Abdulwaheed Ibrahim Umar, Ayuba Wabba, Joe Ajaero and Audu Titus Amba, among other labour leaders, have consistently consulted with Governor Idris in Birnin Kebbi on issues concerning the labour movement and national development,” he said.

On politics, he said Governor Idris had strengthened the APC in Kebbi State through sustained mobilisation and reconciliation of stakeholders.

He said, “The governor has successfully galvanised APC members and stakeholders across Kebbi State, including those who contested elections on other platforms and subsequently returned to the party.”

He also recalled that Governor Idris was the first state governor to endorse President Tinubu for a second term at an APC zonal meeting in Kaduna.

“His early and unequivocal endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term demonstrates his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the leadership of the President,” he said.

Abdullahi expressed confidence that Governor Idris would bring his wealth of labour and political experience to bear on the campaign council.

“Insha Allah, his appointment will deliver the desired results for the Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute significantly to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election,” he concluded.