NLC threatens nationwide protest over terrorism financing allegation against Ajaero
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The weighty allegation against President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero is not being taken lightly by the leadership of the workers union.
On Tuesday, the union convened an emergency meeting where they resolved to embark on mass protests and industrial actions if anything happens to its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was invited by the Police on allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
The NLC said the invitation of its leader was premised on a “clearly unfounded and politically motivated investigation by the Police.”
The NEC resolved that Ajaero would honour the police invitation but sought more time for the NLC President to appear before the police authorities.
In a communique at the end of the meeting on Tuesday, the NLC urged its state councils and affiliates to remain on standby for further directives should the police act contrary to their expectation.
It reads: “As a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process, the NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation. However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him.
“The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation. The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement. 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 NEC calls on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress in this critical moment. The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defense of our shared democratic values.”