The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for mass protests and industrial action in response to what it describes as the harassment and intimidation of its president, Joe Ajaero.
This decision follows a summons by the Nigeria Police, accusing Ajaero of involvement in criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, the NLC expressed outrage at the police’s actions and warned that if any harm befalls Ajaero or any other leader of the labour movement, the organization would mobilize its members for nationwide protests.
The congress also hinted at industrial action in defense of its leadership, which it views as being under attack.
“The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement,” read the communique signed by Sani Minjibir, Deputy President of the NLC.
“If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the state, we will not stand idle.”
The NLC further called upon civil society groups and the general public to stand in solidarity with the labour movement, describing the situation as a fight against “injustice and oppression.”
The congress urged Nigerians to defend the country’s democratic values and support their cause in what they see as a critical moment for the future of the labour movement in Nigeria.
The controversy began earlier this week when the police issued an invitation to Ajaero, asking him to report to their Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024.
The police warned that a warrant for his arrest would be issued if he failed to comply. According to the invitation, Ajaero is being investigated for a range of serious charges, including terrorism financing and cybercrime.
However, Ajaero’s legal counsel, led by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, responded to the police on Tuesday, citing the short notice of the invitation as the reason Ajaero could not attend on the scheduled date.
The letter stated that Ajaero had prior engagements and requested an extension to Wednesday, August 29th, 2024. Falana also demanded detailed information regarding the allegations against Ajaero.
In its communique, the NLC condemned the invitation as a form of “witch-hunting, intimidation, and harassment,” insisting that the charges against Ajaero were politically motivated and intended to weaken the labour movement.
The NLC described the police’s actions as a blatant attempt to silence the leadership of the workers’ movement, warning the government to desist from further antagonizing its leaders.
“We view this as a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilize the labour movement, which has always stood as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses,” the statement continued. “We remain resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people. We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us.”
In anticipation of further escalation, the NLC directed its affiliate unions and state councils to begin mobilizing members across the country, stating that it is prepared to take any measures necessary to protect its leadership and the integrity of the labour movement.
The NLC warned the government that any attempt to undermine their rights or freedoms would be met with fierce resistance, including potential strikes and mass actions across Nigeria.
As the deadline for Ajaero’s appearance before the police approaches, tensions between the government and the labour union continue to rise.
The outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications, not only for the leadership of the NLC but also for the broader landscape of Nigeria’s labour and civil rights movements.
The NLC has vowed to stand firm, declaring that it will continue to fight for justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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