Following a police invitation to address serious allegations, including terrorism financing, cybercrime, and treasonable felony, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the labour movement. Speaking on Thursday after his interrogation, Ajaero declared that the labour movement is “worth dying for,” emphasizing his resolve to prioritize workers’ welfare despite facing intense scrutiny.
The NLC President, who was accompanied by a team of lawyers including prominent human rights activist Chief Femi Falana, SAN, and legal representatives Maxwell Opara and Deji Adeyanju, attended the police interrogation at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office. Ajaero arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and departed shortly after 11:15 a.m.
Before heading to the police headquarters, Chief Falana had addressed a gathering of union members at the Labour House, urging them to remain calm and reassuring them that there was no cause for alarm. Falana’s message was intended to prevent any potential unrest and to show solidarity with Ajaero during this challenging time.
Speaking to journalists at the Labour House after his release, Ajaero expressed gratitude for the support from fellow workers and union members. He praised those who had been praying and fasting in solidarity with him, acknowledging their efforts and urging them to resume their normal activities.
Ajaero highlighted the significance of the labour movement in Nigeria’s history, stating, “Comrades, I want to thank every one of you, thank all Comrades in the states and in various state Commands that are praying and those that have been fasting for four days can break their fast now.”
He continued, “The labour movement is worth dying for because of its patriotism and commitment. The labour movement is one of the biggest pan-Nigerian organisations; our patriotism from the days of colonial government till even the period of the military is unshakable. We are more patriotic than any other institution you can think of in this country, and we are going to continue to be that.”
Maxwell Opara, one of Ajaero’s legal representatives, stated that the NLC would remain steadfast in its mission, regardless of any further allegations or attempts at intimidation by the police. The NLC’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and addressing their welfare concerns continues to be a central focus, despite the current challenges faced by its leadership.
