The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are currently embroiled in a confrontation following the invitation of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the NPF for questioning over alleged terrorism financing. The situation has escalated tensions between the labor union and the federal government, with the NLC accusing the government of harassment and intimidation.
NLC’s Response and Threat of Nationwide Strike
In response to the police’s actions, the leadership of the NLC has placed its members and affiliates on high alert, threatening a nationwide strike if their president is detained. This resolution was made public by Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the Deputy President of the NLC, after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Tuesday.
During the meeting, a large number of union members gathered at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, where they expressed their solidarity by singing union songs. The unionists have warned that the strike would commence at midnight if any adverse action is taken against their president.
Police Allegations and Summon
The confrontation began when the NPF summoned Joe Ajaero for questioning regarding allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, and cybercrime. The police’s invitation, which was documented in a letter dated 19th August 2024 and signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, ordered Ajaero to appear for questioning by 10:00 am on the specified date. The police further cautioned that a warrant of arrest would be issued should Ajaero fail to comply.
NLC’s Emergency Meeting and Communique
In light of the summons, the NLC convened an emergency meeting and released a communique that condemned the federal government’s actions. The communique highlighted previous instances of alleged harassment, including a reported ransacking of the NLC headquarters, and accused the government of trying to intimidate and silence the union.
The NEC directed all affiliates and state councils to begin mobilizing their members across the country, indicating that the Congress would take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial action, to defend the integrity and independence of the labor movement. The communique specifically warned that if any harm befell the NLC President or any other union leader as a result of the state’s actions, an indefinite nationwide strike would be initiated from midnight.
Call for Solidarity and Defense of Democratic Values
The NLC’s communique also extended a call for solidarity to all civil society allies and the general populace, urging them to stand with the NLC during this critical period. The union emphasized that the fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and called on all Nigerians to defend their shared democratic values.
Conclusion: NLC’s Firm Stance
The Nigerian Labour Congress remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian populace. Despite the pressures, the NLC has vowed not to be intimidated by what it describes as desperate attempts to silence the union.
The NLC reiterated its resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Nigeria, affirming that it will continue to fight for these principles regardless of the challenges it faces.
