PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has doubled down on his dedication to the labour movement, declaring that it is a cause worth fighting for despite recent allegations of treason, terrorism, and cybercrime.
Speaking to supporters after visiting the police headquarters in Abuja, Ajaero reflected on the challenges of leading the NLC and acknowledged that such trials were not new. He recalled facing similar obstacles as far back as 1998 and noted that his recent questioning was just another part of the long struggle to defend workers’ rights.
Ajaero also reiterated the NLC’s commitment to the implementation of the minimum wage, which, though approved, is yet to be fully enforced. He emphasized that the union would continue to fight for the welfare of Nigerian workers without being distracted by external pressures.
“Comrades, the labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment it demands. The NLC is one of the most patriotic organizations in Nigeria. We have stood firm since colonial times and even during military rule. We’ve gone through challenges, and we’ve come back stronger. You can’t lead a movement like this without facing hazards, but we remain undeterred,” Ajaero said.
He further added, “We are out to continue the struggle. We’ve secured the minimum wage, but its implementation is our next focus. Every aspect of improving workers’ welfare will have our attention. We will not be distracted. On behalf of the NLC, I want to thank all of you for your support. I didn’t know you all loved me this much.”
In a separate statement, Maxwell Opara, representing NLC’s lead counsel Femi Falana (SAN), suggested that the inclusion of charges such as terrorism financing and treason in the police summons to Ajaero may have been an error. Opara revealed that during the questioning, none of these serious allegations were discussed. Instead, the police inquired about a tenant at the NLC’s Paschal Bafyau Labour House in Abuja.
“We were surprised because the allegations listed in the invitation letter were not brought up at all. They weren’t even mentioned during the questioning,” Opara stated.
The police letter, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adamu Mu’azu and dated August 19, had indicated that the office was investigating allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime in which Ajaero was implicated. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Ajaero maintained that he had nothing to hide and willingly complied with the police invitation.
The NLC President and his team continue to emphasize their resolve to champion workers’ rights, focusing on their key agenda of pushing for the implementation of the minimum wage and ensuring better working conditions for Nigerians across the country.
