NLC To Police: “Touch Ajaero, Face Our Anger, Enough Is Enough”

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is spitting fire, literally, over the invitation to its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigeria Police Force.

The Police had, on Monday, accused Ajaero of financing terrorism, of cyber crime, of criminal conspiracy, of subversion, and of treasonable felony.

But the leadership of the NLC, like most Nigerians are shocked and has described as baseless, all the  allegations against Ajaero.

The NPF had, in the letter of invitation to Ajaero on Monday, directed him to report for an interview on Tuesday and threatened to arrest him if he fails to honour the invitation.

The letter, signed by Adamu S. Muazu, 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 a.m. prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader at telephone number 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation.

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

Ajaero did not honour the invitation, but had, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, through his Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, of Falana & Falana Chambers,  promised to honour the invitation on August 29, 2024.

Reason: the suddenness of the invitation which clashed with an engagement Ajaero was, already, committed to.

Rising from an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the NLC  described the Police invitation as an attempt to weaken and destabilize Labour Union.

The NLC flayed the continued harassment and intimidation of members by the Police. And has promised to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike if Ajaero is arrested and/or detained.

A communique signed by Ado Minjibir, Deputy National President of the Congress, directed affiliate Unions to start mobilizing members for an industrial action, stressing that the union will embark on mass action to protect the integrity of members, and the Congress.