By Funmilayo Olagunju

|

Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests…”

Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended

By the operation of Law, membership of any and every association is voluntary.

A person reserves the right to create a group to promote a particular interest which is Legal.

This right is however subject to the right of targeted members to join or refrain from joining any association or group.

The use of threat and force to recruit unwilling members into any trade union or group is illegal and unconstitutional.

Once a person joins a group or union, she/he becomes obliged to the rules and regulations of the group.

Membership incentives such as;

Periodic training

Networking opportunity

Subsidized payment of levies

Professional advice…

Are better and legal means to attract members to a group.

Incentives should be weighed against the responsibilities before joining a group.

Add competence to your knowledge before joining or exiting a group.

Do you have a complete legal and sustainable structure for your business?

Or which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it…”

Luke 14:28