On August 20, 2024, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) issued a strong warning of a nationwide strike if the Nigerian police proceed with detaining its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. This warning follows an urgent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting called in response to recent developments involving Ajaero.
The police have summoned Ajaero to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Complex in Guzape District, Abuja, for an interview concerning serious allegations. The official letter from the police details that Ajaero is under investigation for multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The police have designated Ajaero as a person of interest in this case.
In light of these charges, the NLC’s NEC has decided that Ajaero should comply with the police’s request for an interview. However, the union has also instructed their legal team to seek an extension to allow Ajaero more time to respond to the police summons. This move reflects the NLC’s desire to handle the situation within legal boundaries while ensuring their president’s rights are protected.
During the emergency meeting, Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, the NLC Deputy President, communicated the union’s stance. Sani emphasized that while the NLC respects the need for legal procedures, it is also preparing for a potential nationwide strike if the police take any action against Ajaero. He urged all workers and affiliated bodies to be on standby and ready for further instructions from the union’s leadership.
Sani stated, “As a committed labour center, we will honour the invitation of the police because we are not a faceless organisation, but we are working with our lawyer for an extension of time. In the event that the President is arrested, all workers will down tools immediately. We should wait for further directives from our leadership.”
The threat of a nationwide strike underscores the high stakes involved and the NLC’s determination to support their president against what they view as potentially politically motivated charges. The NLC’s response reflects broader concerns about the implications of the police investigation and its potential impact on workers’ rights and labor relations in Nigeria.
The situation has sparked significant attention and debate, as the NLC is a major labor organization representing a wide range of workers across the country. The possible strike could have wide-reaching effects on various sectors, disrupting daily operations and services if carried out.
As the NLC and its members wait for further developments, including any response from the police or additional legal maneuvers, the atmosphere remains charged. The union’s actions and the government’s response will be closely watched as the situation unfolds, with potential consequences for both the labor movement and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.
