The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning, directing all affiliate members and workers across the country to prepare for an immediate shutdown of the economy if the Nigerian Police proceed with the arrest of the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
This directive follows an invitation from the police summoning Ajaero to its headquarters for questioning over allegations of involvement in terrorism financing and other charges.
Late last night, the NLC President received a formal invitation from the Nigerian Police, requesting his presence at their headquarters by 10 a.m. today. This sudden development prompted the NLC to convene an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Labour House in Abuja. The council resolved to seek an extension of time to allow for proper consultation with their legal team before responding to the police summons.
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Addressing a crowd of workers who had gathered at the Labour House in solidarity with Comrade Ajaero and in readiness to accompany him to the police headquarters, NLC Deputy President, Kabiru Ado Sani, emphasized that the police’s invitation to Ajaero was, in effect, an invitation to all workers in Nigeria.
“At the end of the meeting, we reached certain resolutions,” Sani stated. “As a committed labor center that abides by the rule of law and due process, we will honor the invitation of the Nigerian Police. However, we have requested an extension of time to allow us to consult with our lawyers, as the invitation was received only yesterday.”
Sani, however, expressed the NLC’s firm stance against the legitimacy of the charges against Ajaero, declaring, “This does not legitimize the charges by the Nigerian Police against our Congress leadership. We have resolved that if our Congress President is arrested or detained at any moment, we will immediately mobilize our affiliate members nationwide. All workers in this country should down tools and cease their services.”
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He reiterated the collective ownership and responsibility of the NLC, urging all members to remain vigilant and ready to act in defense of the organization. “This organization belongs to all of us, and we must do everything possible to safeguard it,” Sani declared.
He assured the workers that further directives would be communicated promptly by the leadership, advising them to remain calm and return to their workplaces while awaiting further instructions.
As tensions rise, the NLC’s ultimatum places significant pressure on the Nigerian authorities, setting the stage for a potential nationwide labor crisis if the situation is not amicably resolved.