A former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ali Chiroma, is dead.

Chiroma died on Tuesday night at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Borno State after a brief illness.

He died at the age of 91.

President Bola Tinubu has since sent his deepest condolences to the family of the late elder statesman.

Chiroma was NLC President between 1984 and 1988 and had held various positions within the trade union hierarchy.

In a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President sympathised with the Chiroma family, the organised labour community, and everyone impacted by this painful loss.

“President Tinubu affirms that Comrade Chiroma stood up for the independence of the NLC and doggedly defended the downtrodden when it mattered the most.

“The President prays to Almighty Allah to grant repose to the soul of the departed while assuring the family of the elder statesman of his thoughts and prayers in this moment of grief,” the statement partly read.

Also, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed grief over the death of the labour leader.

A spokesman for the governor, Abdurrahman Bundi, described Chiroma’s death as painful.

“Ali Chiroma was a true champion of the working class, a fearless leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of Nigerian workers across the nation. He shall be remembered for his doggedness and dedication to the cause of Nigerian workers.”

He was the President of the defunct Rural Health Workers of Nigeria, now known as the Medical and Health Workers Association, in 1960.

Governor Zulum prayed for the repose of the soul of the former unionist and an elder statesman.