NLC Threatens Nationwide Strike if Ajaero is Detained by Police

The NLC has issued a stern warning, threatening to launch a nationwide strike if their leader, Ajaero, is detained by the police, escalating tensions between labor and law enforcement.

In response to the possible detention of its president, Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian Police Force, the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a warning and placed its members and affiliates on high alert for a nationwide strike.

Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the deputy president of the union, declared the resolution following an impromptu assembly of the National Executive Council on Tuesday.

While the meeting was ongoing, a gathering of unionists were spotted at the NLC headquarters in Abuja singing songs of camaraderie.

Ajaero was summoned by the Nigerian Police Force on Monday to be investigated for allegations related to terrorism financing, treasonable felony and cybercrime.

On behalf of the Intelligence Response Team Deputy Commissioner, ACP Adamu Muazu signed a letter dated August 19th, 2024 containing an invitation from NPF.

By 10:00 am today, the NLC president was summoned and instructed to appear for questioning.

If Ajaero fails to comply, the police have cautioned that an arrest warrant will be released.

August 20, 2024 saw the Emergency National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in session and a communique was released.

An emergency meeting was called by the Nigeria Labour Congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) to discuss recent events related to Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President. The invitation extended to him by the Nigeria Police Force is based on unsubstantiated and politically driven accusations of criminal conspiracy, treasonable felony, subversion as well as cybercrime and terrorism financing.

The NEC expresses serious concern over the Nigeria Police’s decision to resort to intimidation, harassment, and witch-hunting instead of addressing Congress’ call for an extension regarding its national headquarters invasion by security agencies. This move is unacceptable and appears as a deliberate attempt to silence the working people and their leaders-contrary to both Nigerian Constitution provisions and ILO Conventions 87 & 98

Considering this, the NLC’s NEC comes to a resolution as follows:

The Invitation Will be Honoured: The NLC, being a responsible labor center committed to upholding the rule of law and proper procedure, will honor the invitation directed towards its President by the Nigeria Police. Nevertheless, we request an extension regarding said invitation as it is necessary given its nature. It must also be noted that our compliance with this invite does not give credence nor justification for accusations lacking substantiation against him; such allegations remain baseless still.

The NEC expresses strong disapproval of the State’s behavior towards Labour: The relentless persecution of Nigeria Labour Congress’ chiefs and other labour pioneers is reprehensible. We perceive it as a premeditated strategy to undermine and disrupt the labor force, which has consistently been an advocate for democratic values and represents the voices of ordinary Nigerians.

The NEC demands that the State immediately cease its unjust actions and abandon any malicious plans directed towards Congress leaders. The Congress will not remain passive as its members’ and leaders’ liberties are disregarded by the State without consequence.

President: JOSEPH AJAERO General Secretary: EMMANUEL UGBOAJA,mni Treasurer: AMBALI AKEEM OLATUNJI Rewritten: The President of the organization is Joseph Ajareo, while Emmanuel Ugboaja serves as its General Secretary and Ambali Akeem Olatunji acts as Treasurer.

The NEC orders all affiliates and state councils to begin mobilizing their members nationwide without delay. The Congress is ready to take any needed measures, such as organizing mass protests or industrial action, to safeguard the autonomy and credibility of the labor movement. If any harm comes to the President or other leaders of the Congress in connection with these unfounded accusations by a State entity that aims for political advantage; then, at 12:00 midnight today, NEC calls on its affiliates and state councils across Nigeria to go on an indefinite country-wide strike.

In this crucial moment, the Nigeria Labour Congress urges all civil society allies and members of the public to unite in support. The struggle against injustice and oppression requires a joint effort, therefore we implore all citizens of Nigeria to come together in defense of our democratic principles.

The Nigeria Labour Congress stands unwavering in its dedication to protecting the welfare and concerns of workers as well as all citizens. Any effort aimed at silencing us will not succeed or provoke fear within our ranks. We are steadfastly committed to maintaining righteousness, impartiality, and lawful conduct throughout our nation that we cherish deeply.