The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Federal Government of harassing its leaders, following the police invitation of its president, Joe Ajaero, over allegations of terrorism financing and other serious charges.
The NLC warned that if Ajaero is detained, they would launch a nationwide strike.
At an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council, the union condemned the government’s actions as an attempt to silence the labor movement. “This is nothing but a travesty and a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the working people and their leadership,” the NEC stated.
Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the NLC’s deputy president, emphasized that the union is committed to due process. “We shall honor the invitation extended to our President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation,” he said, making it clear that this compliance should not be seen as legitimizing the allegations.
The NEC further issued a stern warning: “If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the Congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the State, NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 midnight today.”
The NLC also called on civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the labor movement, urging all Nigerians to “rise in defense of our shared democratic values.” The union reiterated its resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Nigeria. “We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us,” the NEC concluded.
