NLC Calls for Nationwide Strike in Response to Ajaero’s Police Summons Over Terrorism Financing Allegations
In the midst of rising tensions between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Police Force, the NLC leadership has issued a call for a nationwide strike if necessary, beginning at midnight Tuesday. This directive follows the recent invitation extended to NLC President Joe Ajaero for questioning regarding allegations of terrorism financing.
The NLC’s emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja led to a statement urging all state chapters and affiliates to prepare for an indefinite strike starting at midnight if Ajaero encounters any harm or issues during his police interrogation. This police summons for Ajaero comes in the wake of a controversial night raid conducted by police at the NLC national headquarters in Abuja.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun defended the raid, stating it was part of an investigation into a terrorist linked to the Sudan crisis. The raid was also reportedly aimed at uncovering seditious materials related to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, which turned violent in various regions, particularly the North, where some demonstrators displayed Russian flags and called for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation.
On Monday, Ajaero was instructed by the police to report for questioning at 10 a.m. regarding accusations of terrorism financing and treasonable felony. In response, the NLC convened an emergency NEC meeting to discuss their strategy.
Following the meeting, the NLC released a statement denouncing the police’s summons as “clearly unfounded and politically motivated.” Signed by Ado Sani Minjibir, the NLC Deputy President, the communique indicated that the Congress would not hesitate to implement mass protests and industrial actions to safeguard the integrity and independence of the labour movement.
The NEC directed all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilizing their members nationwide. The communique highlighted that if anything were to happen to Ajaero or any other NLC leader as a result of these allegations, the NEC would call for an indefinite nationwide strike starting at midnight.
Additionally, the NLC urged civil society allies and the general public to support the union during this critical period. The communique expressed grave concern over what it described as a move to stifle the voice of the working people and their leadership, a fundamental right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international labour conventions.
The NLC expressed its intention to honor the police invitation as a demonstration of its commitment to the rule of law, but firmly stated that it would not passively accept violations of the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders. The Congress vowed to defend the rights and interests of workers and to resist any attempts to intimidate or silence them.
The communique further condemned the ongoing harassment of NLC leadership as an attempt to undermine and destabilize the labour movement, which has historically represented democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian populace. The NEC called on the state to cease its perceived witch-hunt against the Congress leaders immediately.
Ajaero’s police invitation was related to charges of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” The invitation letter, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, directed Ajaero to report to the IRT Complex, Abbattoir by Guzape Junction on August 20 at 10 a.m., with a warning of a potential arrest warrant if he failed to comply.
Earlier in July, security agents conducted a night raid at the NLC national headquarters in Abuja. According to NLC spokesperson Upah, operatives forcibly entered the building, detained security personnel, and searched for documents on the second floor. The police later claimed the raid aimed to gather evidence related to an international subversive figure posing a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The NLC rejected the police’s explanation for the raid, demanding the release of its detained members and any seized documents. The organization also criticized government efforts to interfere with its internal matters, including proposed reductions in the tenure of trade union leaders.
In a related development, NLC’s legal representative, Femi Falana (SAN), requested that Ajaero’s police interview be rescheduled to August 29. In a letter dated August 20, Falana explained that Ajaero was unavailable on the original date due to a prior commitment made before receiving the police invitation. The letter also requested detailed information on the allegations against Ajaero, referencing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
Furthermore, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) issued a statement criticizing the government’s actions. NUEE’s acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, expressed concern over what he described as political maneuvering behind the police summons of Ajaero. He condemned the government’s approach of using harassment and intimidation against the labour movement instead of addressing the issues raised by the NLC’s leadership and its members.
The NUEE emphasized the importance of protecting labour rights and free speech to ensure a fair and just society for all citizens, denouncing the government’s efforts to suppress dissent and stifle critical voices.
As the situation unfolds, the NLC remains firm in its stance against perceived injustices and continues to rally support from its members and the public.
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