Nigerian electricity workers are planning to shut down the national grid in response to police harassment of NLC president Joe Ajaero

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has announced that it will shut down the National Grid if Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero is arrested by the Nigerian police. This warning was issued by NUEE General Secretary Dominic Igwebike.

Similarly, the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE) has pledged to halt telecommunications services if Ajaero is detained. This position was communicated by NUPTE General Secretary Mary Nwosu.

According to NUEE’s notice, workers in the Transmission Company of Nigeria are instructed to cease work starting at midnight on August 21, 2024, should Ajaero or any other labor leader be arrested.

The NLC has also directed that workers across the country should strike if Ajaero is detained or if any union leader faces harm.

Previously reported that the Nigerian police had invited Ajaero for questioning regarding allegations of terrorism financing, treason, subversion, and cybercrime. A letter from the police requested Ajaero’s appearance on August 20, 2024, at the IRT Complex in Guzape District, Abuja. The letter also warned that failure to comply could result in an arrest warrant.

The NLC has sought an extension for Ajaero’s appearance, proposing a new date of August 29 through its legal representatives at Femi Falana’s chambers. As of this report, the Nigerian police have not yet responded to the extension request.