Alleged terrorism financing: Falana, CSOs wade in, as NLC threatens shutdown over Ajaero’s invitation
…Be on red alert for nationwide action if Cmr. Ajaero is arrested – NLC to members
…Ajaero can’t honour police invitation due to prior engagement – Falana
…CSOs demand open investigation into allegations
By Sodiq Adelakun and Matthew Denis
A storm is brewing in the labour sector as Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers and affiliated unions across the country to shut down the economy if its president, Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the Nigerian Police Force.
This comes after the police summoned Ajaero for questioning over allegations of involvement in terrorism financing and other charges.
The NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened an emergency meeting at the Labour House on Tuesday, where they decided to request an extension from the police to allow time for consultations with their legal team. NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani emphasised that the police’s invitation to Ajaero was effectively an invitation to the entire workforce of Nigeria.
Sani stressed the Congress’s commitment to the rule of law, stating that while they would honour the police’s invitation, they would seek an extension to prepare adequately. He also made it clear that if Ajaero were to be arrested or detained, all workers nationwide should be prepared to down tools and cease all services in protest.
Earlier, Nigerian NewsDirect reported that Ajaero had been summoned by the police on charges relating to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
The letter of invitation, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, stated that Ajaero’s name was implicated in ongoing investigations linked to the aforementioned charges.
The letter directed Ajaero to appear at the IRT Complex, Abattoir near Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20, at 10 a.m., warning that a warrant of arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.
Recall that security forces conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja on July 7.
The police later confirmed their involvement in the operation, stating that it was an effort to uncover incriminating documents related to an international “subversive” figure viewed as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The NLC rejected the police’s explanation for the raid last week and demanded the release of its detained members and the return of the seized documents.
The Congress also condemned what it described as government attempts to meddle in its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders.
This development has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the economy and the rights of workers. The NLC’s stance is seen as a show of solidarity with their leader and a demonstration of their commitment to protecting the interests of workers. However, the situation also raises questions about the allegations against Ajaero and the motivations behind the police’s actions.
In the same vein, Human Rights activist and lawyer to the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Femi Falana, has explained why the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, cannot honour the police invitation to appear at the force headquarters on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
According to Falana, Ajaero had fixed an engagement for August 20 before the police invitation was sent to him on Monday. He promised that Ajaero would be available at the police headquarters on August 29.
Falana also requested the police to furnish him with details of the allegations levelled against Ajaero, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
In a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Falana stated that Ajaero is unable to honour the invitation due to a prior engagement and requested that the police provide details of the allegations against him.
The letter read: “We are Solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter. We have the instructions of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday. He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter. Therefore, Comrade Ajaero is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.”
Falana’s letter put the interview on hold until August 29. The specific allegations against Ajaero are yet to be made public, but the police have assured that they will make the details available in due course.
…CSOs express concern over invitation of NLC Boss, demand open investigation
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the invitation of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero, by the Nigerian Police Force. The CSOs are demanding an open and transparent investigation into the allegations levelled against Ajero.
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, described the invitation as ‘troubling and disturbing’ and called for the police to be more open and transparent in their investigation. He emphasised that Ajero is innocent until proven guilty and that the allegations against him need to be proven.
Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafasanjani, also expressed concern over the invitation and called for a thorough investigation. He stated that the police must prove that they are not being used as a tool to undermine the legitimate struggles of the citizenry.
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, emphasised the importance of following the laid-down rules and regulations in inviting Ajero and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations levelled against him.
The CSOs are worried that the invitation may be an attempt to silence the labour movement and stifle dissenting voices. They are calling for the government to ensure that the investigation is conducted in a transparent and credible manner to restore trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.
