The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning of a nationwide shutdown if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested or detained by the Nigeria Police. This threat was made public on Tuesday morning following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the NLC headquarters.
The emergency meeting was convened in response to a police invitation extended to Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing. The NEC resolved that while Ajaero would honor the police invitation, the union’s legal team would request an extension to allow more time for the NLC President to appear before the authorities.
Speaking on behalf of the union, NLC Deputy President, Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, urged Nigerian workers to remain on high alert for further instructions. “As a committed labor center, we will honor the police invitation because we are not a faceless organization. However, we are working with our lawyer to seek an extension,” Sani stated.
He further warned, “If the President is arrested, all workers nationwide will down tools immediately. We urge the nation’s workforce to await further directives from our leadership.”
This development sets the stage for a potential crisis, as the NLC is prepared to mobilize its members across the country should the police proceed with the arrest of Ajaero.
