Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is scheduled to appear at the Force Headquarters today following a police summons. The allegations against Ajaero include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
Leaders from industrial unions, civil society organizations, and legal representatives are expected to accompany Ajaero in a show of support. In response to the summons, the NLC has mobilized its state councils across the country for a peaceful demonstration.
NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja has called for nationwide solidarity, instructing state councils to organize members for a peaceful procession to state police commands. The processions will include prayer sessions until the conclusion of Ajaero’s police interrogation.
Ugboaja emphasized the peaceful nature of the planned protests, stating, “If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has also urged its FCT chapter to support Ajaero and the NLC by rallying Abuja-based journalists. Additionally, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK has called on the British government to pressure the Nigerian federal government to end the perceived violent repression and intimidation of trade unions.
The NLC’s mobilization reflects a strong stance against what they term as unjust actions aimed at intimidating their leadership and suppressing the voice of Nigerian workers.
