- Joe Ajaero, NLC President, faces police questioning over terrorism financing allegations, prompting solidarity mobilization from union members nationwide
- The NLC warns of an indefinite strike if Ajaero is detained, condemning police actions as intimidation against labor leadership
Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is set to appear before the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) today to respond to allegations of terrorism financing. In a letter sent to Ajaero last week, the police also demanded that he provide explanations concerning accusations of “criminal conspiracy, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
The directive for Ajaero to meet with the IRT officers was issued on August 19, instructing him to appear on August 20 at the former Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) headquarters, known as Abattoir, where the IRT office is situated. However, Ajaero, through his lawyer, Samuel Ogala of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, declined the initial invitation and requested more details about the allegations. He indicated he would be available for questioning today, August 29.
In response, other NLC leaders are mobilizing support from affiliate unions and state chapters nationwide to show solidarity with Ajaero. A NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja circular called on all affiliate unions, state councils, and national officers to rally their members to support Ajaero.
Ugboaja’s directive outlined specific plans for the day: “In Abuja, all Central Working Committee (CWC) members and other members residing in the capital are expected to gather at the NLC National Headquarters by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the police for the scheduled interaction.”
He also directed members in state capitals to assemble at their respective state NLC secretariats and proceed in a peaceful march to their state police headquarters, where they will hold a prayer session until Ajaero’s interaction with the police concludes. Ugboaja emphasized that the march is a demonstration against “unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers.”
The circular further stated, “If the president is detained for any reason, all workers nationwide shall proceed on an indefinite strike. Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.”
The NLC leadership urges its members to remain peaceful and orderly during the processions and prayer sessions. The union remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and democracy in Nigeria.