Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum mourned the passing of veteran labour leader Ali Chiroma, who served as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from 1984 to 1988.
Chiroma, aged 91, breathed his last on Tuesday, April 2, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital following a brief illness.
Expressing his condolences, President Buhari, through his spokesperson Garba Shehu, lauded Chiroma’s indomitable spirit, describing him as full of life, insightful, and fearless in his leadership. Buhari acknowledged Chiroma’s significant contributions to both the economy and the labour movement, extending his sympathies to the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Borno State.
Similarly, Governor Zulum conveyed his grief over Chiroma’s demise, recognizing him as a true champion of the working class and a fearless leader dedicated to the welfare of Nigerian workers nationwide. Zulum urged Chiroma’s family to find solace in the belief that every soul shall taste death, emphasizing Chiroma’s enduring legacy of doggedness and dedication to the cause of Nigerian workers.
Chiroma’s impactful career spanned decades, including his tenure as the President of the defunct Rural Health Workers of Nigeria, now known as the Medical and Health Workers Association, in 1960. His passing has deeply saddened both the political and labour landscapes of Nigeria.
As tributes pour in, both Buhari and Zulum offered prayers for the repose of Chiroma’s soul, while also extending their condolences to the Borno Elders Forum over the loss of one of their esteemed members.
