PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on Thursday honored an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja. Ajaero was summoned to address serious allegations, including terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
Arriving at the IRT headquarters at 10:17 a.m., Ajaero was accompanied by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and a large crowd of union members and supporters. He spent roughly an hour at the facility, leaving at around 11:15 a.m.
Upon emerging from the meeting, Ajaero dismissed the allegations as baseless. “We can’t be intimidated. The allegations against us are unfounded, and we have nothing to hide,” he stated. Ajaero reiterated that the NLC would not back down from its mission to defend the rights of Nigerian workers, despite external pressures.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by labour leaders, Ajaero recalled similar situations he faced during Nigeria’s military dictatorship in the late 1990s. “This job comes with hazards. Back in 1997/1998, I was detained alongside Femi Falana under the Abacha regime. But regardless, we remain undeterred. We’ve secured the minimum wage, and we’ll continue fighting for its swift implementation,” Ajaero affirmed.
Ajaero’s appearance at the police headquarters, according to him, was an effort to demonstrate transparency and clear the air on the accusations leveled against the NLC. He described the allegations, particularly those related to terrorism financing, as attempts to weaken the labour movement. “Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers, no matter the obstacles,” Ajaero said confidently.
Meanwhile, NLC members across various states embarked on peaceful marches to their local police headquarters in solidarity with Ajaero. In Abia State, union members, led by NLC Secretary Emma Alozie, marched to the police command headquarters in Umuahia. They held a prayer session in line with a directive from NLC leadership issued on Wednesday.
Upon learning of Ajaero’s release, Alozie declared, “We will now offer prayers of thanksgiving, not just for Ajaero, but for Nigerian workers who continue to endure hardships.”
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chris Okoro, speaking on behalf of the Abia State Commissioner of Police, commended the peaceful conduct of the union members. Additionally, the state chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union, Hope Ekwuruibe, expressed gratitude to the police for allowing them to carry out their peaceful demonstration and prayer session.
The NLC has maintained its stance that it will not be swayed by attempts to intimidate the organization or its leadership, reaffirming its commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
