NLC, Police Standoff: Congress Summons Emergency Meeting Over Ajaero’s Invitation

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has summoned an emergency  meeting of its National Executive Council, NEC, in view of the invitation of Joe Ajaero, its president  by the Nigerian Police.

The NEC meeting, the NLC said, in a notice to the NEC will be held by 8am on Tuesday with all heads of affiliates and state chapters of NLC expected to be present.

The magazine reported that Ajaero was summoned by the NPF for questioning today on terrorism financing related allegation.

Recall also that operatives of the NPF had two weeks ago raided the NLC secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital where they carted away documents.

The NPF later said in a statement by its spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi that the raid was conducted to arrest a foreign national linked to subversion and terrorism in the country.

The invasion of the NLC Secretariat had caused furore between the Police and NLC, even as the umbrella body of workers in Nigeria demanded apology from the Kayode Egbetokun-led NPF.

According to the notice of the NLC meeting titled, “Notice of emergency National Executive Council meeting,”, signed by the NLC’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress said the ‘hybrid’ meeting was summoned to discuss the invitation of Ajaero by the Police.

“You are invited to the emergency National Executive Council Hybrid meeting scheduled as follows:Tuesday, August 20, 2024; 8am Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House,” part of the notice said.

In the letter of invitation sent to the NLC, the police had threatened to use force if Ajaero failed to make himself available for questioning today.

The invitation is contained in a letter dated 19th August 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team.

The letter reads: “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated.

“You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader on telephone no 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation.

“Be informed that if you fail to honour this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”