Ajaero blows hot after police questioning, says allegations are baseless, NLC won’t be intimidated
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has declared that the union will not be intimidated by external pressures, following his appearance at the Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Ajaero, who was invited by the police to address allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.
“We can’t be intimidated,” Ajaero stated emphatically. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
He noted that the union would continue to fight for the welfare of workers and stand firm in the face of challenges.
Ajaero’s appearance at the IRT headquarters followed his initial invitation by the police on August 20, which he was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ajaero maintained a confident stance, dismissing the claims as an attempt to weaken the labour movement.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” he added.
Recall that NLC and other labor unions have accused the Federal Government of attempting to intimidate and silence labor leaders.
Before Ajaero’s visit to the police headquarters, labour leaders had mobilised union members and affiliates, preparing for a potential protest march on police offices across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The police allege that Ajaero was summoned to address questions regarding his purported involvement in terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
This follows a recent raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, where the police sought seditious materials linked to the recent nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance.
In an emergency meeting on August 20, the NLC National Executive Council condemned the allegations against Ajaero, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated.
The Council also criticised the short notice for Ajaero’s police appearance and requested a postponement.
