The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was summoned by the police in Abuja on August 29, raising tensions across the nation. The invitation, linked to a high-stakes investigation into “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime,” has sent shockwaves through the labor community.
Maxwell Opara, Ajaero’s lawyer, revealed the details of the police meeting shortly after the labor leader, accompanied by his legal team, honored the invitation. The lawyer disclosed that the actual reason for the meeting was different from what was initially stated in the police letter. According to Opara, the police claimed they wanted to question Ajaero about a tenant occupying one of the offices in Labour House, a revelation that has sparked widespread speculation and concern.
The controversy began on July 7, when security agents raided the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, alleging they were searching for incriminating documents linked to an international “subversive” figure. This raid, combined with the recent police invitation, has heightened fears of a crackdown on labor leaders and their activities.
Femi Falana, the legal counsel to the NLC, had earlier intervened by requesting more time from the police, assuring them that Ajaero would honor the invitation on August 29. However, the nature of the police inquiry has left many questions unanswered, fueling suspicions of a broader agenda against the NLC.
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Opara, while addressing journalists after the police meeting, warned that the NLC is not taking this situation lightly. “This does not mean that we are going to relent, because we do not know what will come up next. We must get ourselves prepared,” he asserted, hinting at the possibility of further confrontations.
In response to the unfolding situation, the NLC has issued a stern warning of an indefinite strike if Ajaero is arrested. On the same day, the union instructed all its members across the country to join a peaceful procession, signaling their readiness to escalate the matter if necessary.
The development has captured national attention, with many fearing the implications of the allegations against Ajaero. As the situation evolves, all eyes are on the NLC and its next move, which could have significant repercussions for labor relations and political stability in Nigeria.
