“NLC’s Ajaero Declines Police Invitation, Threatens Strike”
Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), declined a police invitation on Tuesday, citing prior engagements that prevented him from attending. The police had summoned Ajaero to answer questions regarding serious allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. However, Ajaero’s legal team, represented by Falana and Falana Chambers, requested an extension to August 29, 2024, and demanded detailed information on the allegations.
In response to the police summons, the NLC, a prominent labor union in Nigeria, issued a strong warning, threatening mass protests and industrial action if Ajaero is harmed or maltreated. The union criticized the police’s actions as intimidation and harassment, labeling the investigation as politically motivated and aimed at suppressing the labor movement. The NLC emphasized that it would defend its leader and the integrity of the labor movement against what it perceives as unjust and unconstitutional actions.
The NLC also called on civil society organizations and the general public to stand in solidarity with them in what they describe as a critical moment for democracy and workers’ rights in Nigeria. The union noted that while it would comply with the police invitation, it would not recognize the legitimacy of the allegations, viewing them as an attempt to stifle the voice of the working class and undermine their leadership.
The police had initially directed Ajaero to report at the IRT Complex in Abuja on August 20, threatening to issue a warrant for his arrest if he failed to appear. However, the NLC described the police’s invitation as part of a broader pattern of witch-hunting, recalling previous incidents where security agencies allegedly invaded the NLC’s headquarters. The union criticized the police for pursuing these charges instead of addressing the grievances that the NLC had raised, further asserting that the entire situation was a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the labor movement.
