Unless there are last-minute changes, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is expected to respond to a police summons today (Thursday) regarding allegations of treason and terrorism financing.
Ahead of his visit to the police headquarters in Abuja, the NLC Central Working Committee issued a circular on Wednesday mobilizing union members and affiliated associations for a march to police headquarters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The police had initially invited Ajaero to appear at the Force headquarters on Tuesday, August 20, at 10 a.m. to address accusations of involvement in terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
This invitation followed a police raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, which the police said was intended to uncover seditious materials related to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
In response, the NLC National Executive Council held an emergency meeting in the early hours of August 20, condemning the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated attempts to suppress organized labor. The NLC NEC also deemed the police summons too short and resolved to request a postponement.
A circular issued on Wednesday by General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja instructed all state councils and affiliates to participate in a peaceful procession and prayer session today (Thursday) in support of Ajaero.
The circular read: “In response to the recent summons by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilise their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.
“Details for Participation: In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8 am on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the police for the scheduled interaction.
“In State Capitals: Members should gather at their respective state secretariats of Congress. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters, where they will hold a prayer session until the president’s interaction with the police is concluded.
“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.
“Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.
“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation.”