Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), honored a police invitation on Thursday, appearing at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office in Abuja. Ajaero, who arrived in a black Lexus SUV accompanied by his legal counsel, Femi Falana, was summoned over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police invitation, issued on August 19 and signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adamu Mu’azu, had requested his presence on August 21, with a stern warning of an arrest warrant if he failed to comply.
NLC’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, expressed the union’s unwavering commitment to non-violence amidst the mounting tension. “We are workers, not troublemakers. The NLC has never and will never engage in violent protests,” Ugboaja stated, reinforcing the union’s stance during a press briefing.
The situation escalated as the NLC threatened nationwide strikes if Ajaero or any other union leaders faced detention or harm. “This is a red line. If our president is harmed in any way, we will shut down the country,” declared Ambali Olatunji, the NLC’s treasurer, during an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) on August 20. The NEC condemned the allegations against Ajaero as politically motivated and baseless, viewing them as part of a broader attempt to undermine the NLC’s influence in Nigeria.
Ajaero initially sought a postponement of the police meeting, citing short notice. His legal team, Femi Falana Chambers, requested an extension to August 29, arguing that the one-day notice left Ajaero unable to rearrange prior commitments. Despite this, Ajaero appeared on the original date, further intensifying the union’s resolve.
The police’s actions have drawn widespread criticism, including from Amnesty International Nigeria, which condemned the federal government’s tactics as an attempt to intimidate the NLC. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) also voiced concern, warning of escalating attacks on the trade union movement in Nigeria.
As the situation unfolds, the NLC leadership continues to frame these allegations as an orchestrated effort to silence their advocacy for democracy and workers’ rights in the country. The union’s resolve remains unshaken as they prepare for potential further actions to protect their leaders and members.
