Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his grief over the death of veteran labour leader and former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ali Chiroma.
In a condolence message issued by his spokesperson when in office, Garba Shehu, the former President said that the deceased left behind notable contributions to the economy and the labour movement well beyond the borders of the nation.
“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.”
Ali Ibrahim Ciroma died at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State capital yesterday, April 2.
A family statement read: “it is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of Comrade Ali Ciroma, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“The sad event occurred this evening (Tuesday, April 2) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
“The burial for the repose of the deceased will be held tomorrow Wednesday 4pm at the residence of the deceased No.7A along Galadima Road near Muhammadu Shuwa Memorial Hospital (Nursing Home), Maiduguri.”
Ciroma was the president of the NLC from 1984 to 1988 when he was forced out of office by the then military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, which dissolved the union.
The Sani Abacha administration brought him back into unionism, appointing him as the Sole Administrator of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
