Ajaero to honour police invitation in company of Falana, others while NLC issues stern warning
Amid rising tensions, remnants of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have pledged to bring the nation to a halt if their President, Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the police on charges of terrorism financing. This comes in the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests held from August 1 to 10, 2024.
On Thursday morning, various leaders from affiliated unions gathered at Labour House in Abuja to show their support for Ajaero. The NLC president, accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), made his way to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office located at the former SARS facility in Guzape, leaving the NLC Headquarters around 10:00 a.m.
The affiliated union members have accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of pursuing baseless claims by alleging that the labour movement is involved in financing terrorism. They have warned that a nationwide shutdown will ensue if Ajaero is detained.
Ajaero had been asked by the police to appear on August 20, but he had refused, citing the short notice and prior commitments. His lawyer, Falana, subsequently notified the authorities that Ajaero would be available to meet with them today, August 29, 2024.
As this report was being compiled, many leaders from the affiliated unions were assembling at the NLC headquarters to accompany Ajaero to the IRT Command in Abuja. It is reported that while Ajaero and his lawyer are heading to the IRT office, other union members will be demonstrating at the Force Headquarters with placards.
Among the unions supporting Ajaero are the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the National Union of Telecommunication Employees (NUPTE), and the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU).
NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, addressing the gathered members, criticized the Federal Government for pursuing unfounded allegations and sarcastically questioned the financial means of Ajaero to fund terrorism. He also highlighted the recent police raid on the NLC Headquarters, which was reportedly due to suspicions of hosting a terrorist.
