Ajaero Returns to Labour House After Complying with Police Invitation

After attending a police invitation, NLC President Ajaero has returned to the Labour House, reflecting on the recent developments and ongoing labor issues.

Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has come back to the Labour House following his compliance with a police request.

On Thursday morning, Ajaero was accompanied by Femi Falana (SAN) and others as they made their way to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Having written his statement, he departed from the police Intelligence Response Team headquarters at approximately 11:15am. Even though present there, the NLC head refrained from engaging with journalists while in attendance but pledged to address them upon arrival at the labour headquarters.

The police’s purported invitation to him for questioning regarding terrorism financing has caused a stir, with the NLC and other labor unions accusing the Federal Government of trying to bully union officials.

Labour members had assembled at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters on Thursday to rally behind their President before accepting the invitation.

Ajaero has been summoned by the police authorities to respond to inquiries regarding his suspected links with terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversive activities, criminal collaboration and offense of treasonable felony.

The invitation was issued after the police conducted a night raid on Abuja’s NLC national secretariat.

In the wee hours of August 20th, an emergency meeting was called by the NLC National Executive Council who criticized the action.

Ajaero was accused of trumped-up allegations by the Council, which they deemed as politically motivated in an attempt to silence organised labour.

It was mentioned that the police request for Ajaero’s participation was insufficiently timed, thus prompting a delay in his appearance as per their appeal.

“Labour Leaders Being Harassed”

Expressing concern about the potential detention of Ajaero, the NLC management cautioned that they would initiate a countrywide strike if their President were apprehended.

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The Federal Government was accused of harassing the union leaders, which has caused their members and affiliates to be on high alert.

On August 20, the National Executive Council of the group held an emergency meeting where Comrade Minjibir Ado, Deputy President of Congress issued a warning.

Reacting to the situation, Amnesty International takes action.

The Nigerian division of Amnesty International, a worldwide humanitarian organization, has expressed its disapproval towards the recent attack on Joe Ajaero – President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) – by members of the Nigerian Police Force.

On August 20, the Director of the organization, Isa Sanusi signed a statement that portrayed new claims made by Nigerian authorities about terrorism financing against Ajaero and its leaders as an act intended to intimidate unionists.

The response of the international group is in response to NLC’s warning to initiate a nationwide strike if Ajaero is detained by the police.

According to Sanusi, “The Nigerian government’s recent actions of threatening the arrest of President Joe Ajaero is causing Amnesty International great concern as it appears an attempt to intimidate and harass the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). We call on those in authority to stop this blatant disregard for justice and allow labor unions their rights when it comes to agreeing or disagreeing with governmental policies.”

According to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and international human rights law, workers cannot be penalized for engaging in trade union activities, as they are granted freedom of association. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Nigerian officials not only to uphold laborers’ rights but also safeguard them against infringement.