Nigerian Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, is scheduled for police questioning today regarding allegations of terrorism financing, raising serious concerns within the labor movement.
Today, Joe Ajaero – the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) – is set to face interrogation by the Nigeria Police.
On August 19, 2024, a formal invitation was issued in regards to accusations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
Ajaero will be joined by other labor leaders and NLC legal representatives as they make their way to the IRT Complex, located at Old Abattoir near Guzape Junction in Abuja. The scheduled time for arrival is 10 a.m.
National and international civil rights groups have expressed great concern about the potential effect on workers’ rights and civil liberties within Nigeria, following this highly publicized case.
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Upon being invited by the police, the NLC has cautioned that a nationwide strike may occur in event of Ajaero’s detainment. Comrade Benson Upah, who serves as head of information and public affairs for the NLC, is urging law enforcement to approach this situation with professionalism and accountability.
Upah stressed to the LEADERSHIP that the government’s relationship with organized labor could be improved or exacerbated depending on how police behave during interrogations.
According to him, Ajaero’s appearance hinges on the actions of the police today. He expressed his optimism that the police will demonstrate accountability and behave in a responsible manner.
Today’s proceedings are expected to have considerable implications for Nigeria, affecting the relationship between its government and labor movement along with civil rights matters on a larger scale.
