The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to shut down the power sector if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, is arrested. This threat follows a summons issued by the Nigerian Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT), inviting Ajaero for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
In a strongly worded statement, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, condemned the invitation as a politically motivated attempt to harass and intimidate the labor leader. The statement described the allegations as baseless and accused the government of engaging in witch-hunting and intimidation instead of addressing the nation’s pressing economic issues.
“It is not only embarrassing but also childish and clueless for the Federal Government to resort to witch-hunting, harassment, and name-calling instead of coming forward to apologize for the unlawful invasion of the NLC National headquarters a few days ago,” the statement read.
NUEE further criticized the government’s actions as an abuse of power and a violation of the Constitution and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. The union warned that any attempt to stifle labor movements or free speech would be met with fierce resistance.
In the event of Ajaero’s arrest, NUEE has directed its members across the nation to immediately withdraw their services, effectively crippling the power sector. The union also called on the government to exercise caution, noting that the country is already on edge due to rising inflation and widespread hunger.
“The rights of citizens must be respected and guaranteed if the country must move forward,” the statement concluded, emphasizing the union’s readiness to take decisive action to protect its leadership and members.
