- Speaking to journalists at the NLC headquarters afterward, Ajaero emphasized the union’s resilience in the face of intimidation
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was released after spending an hour at the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where he had been questioned over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. Ajaero, who arrived at 10:17 a.m. and left at 11:17 a.m., provided a statement during his visit.
Unable to attend the initial August 20 invitation due to prior commitments, Ajaero fulfilled his obligation today, accompanied by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, activist Deji Adeyanju, Marshal Abubakar, and top NLC officials.
Speaking to journalists at the NLC headquarters afterward, Ajaero emphasized the union’s resilience in the face of intimidation. “We can’t be intimidated,” he declared. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on the challenges of labor leadership, Ajaero recounted past experiences with Falana during the Abacha era, underscoring the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights. He affirmed the NLC’s commitment to pressing for the implementation of the minimum wage and improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Ajaero explained that his appearance before the police was to maintain transparency and address the unfounded accusations against him and the NLC, vowing that the union would continue to stand firm in defending workers’ rights.