Abuja — Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is scheduled to appear at the Force Headquarters today in response to a police summons. This follows allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The summons comes 11 days after a previous invitation from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police.
In a show of solidarity, leaders from various industrial unions affiliated with the NLC, along with workers, civil society allies, and lawyers, are expected to accompany Ajaero to the police headquarters. The NLC has directed its state councils nationwide to mobilize for peaceful processions to state police commands, where they will hold prayer sessions in support of their president and the broader labor movement.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has also issued a call to action. The NUJ’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has been instructed to gather Abuja-based journalists at the Force Headquarters to stand in solidarity with Ajaero and the NLC.
In addition to domestic support, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom has called on the British government to exert pressure on the Nigerian federal government to halt the alleged repression and intimidation of trade unions. This international appeal underscores the growing concern over the treatment of labor leaders and the broader labor movement in Nigeria.
The initial police invitation, which was dated August 19, required Ajaero to appear for questioning on August 20. However, Ajaero’s legal representative, human rights activist and lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, provided an explanation for the delay in responding to the summons.
In a recent circular to NLC affiliates and state councils, General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja urged members to show solidarity. “In response to the recent summon by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity,” the circular stated. “All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the NLC by 8:00 AM today to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interacti
As Ajaero prepares to face questioning, the NLC’s mobilization efforts and the international community’s support highlight the high stakes involved in this case. The outcome of today’s events could have significant implications for labor rights and political freedoms in Nigeria.
