The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to shut down the nation if its national president, Joe Ajaero, is detained or arrested by the police.
This resolution was reached during an emergency National Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, with some executives participating virtually.
The meeting, which commenced at 8:30 a.m., concluded with the decision that Ajaero should honor the police invitation. On Monday, Ajaero received a letter from the police requesting his presence for an “interview” related to allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The letter, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, indicated that Ajaero’s name had come up in ongoing investigations tied to these serious charges. He was directed to report to the IRT Complex at Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20, by 10 a.m. The letter also warned that failure to comply would result in a warrant for his arrest.
This police invitation follows a previous raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja by security agents on July 7. According to NLC spokesperson, Upah, the operatives, some in police uniforms and others in plain clothes, stormed the 10th Floor of the NLC building around 8:30 p.m., arresting the security guards and seizing the keys to offices on the second floor.
The police later claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that it was conducted to uncover incriminating documents linked to an international “subversive” figure perceived as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. However, the NLC rejected the police’s explanation, demanding the release of its detained members and the return of seized documents. The union also condemned government efforts to interfere in its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders.
