From Adanna Nnamni, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is rallying its members across the country to show solidarity with its President, Joe Ajaero, who is set to respond to an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force for questioning today.
Last week, the Police summoned Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, and other charges.
This summon was issued in a letter from the Deputy Commissioner of Police Intelligence Response Team, signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adamu S. Muazu, which warned that failure to attend could result in arrest.
However, Ajaero, through his lawyer from Falana Chambers, conveyed his willingness to respond to all inquiries about the allegations at the rescheduled meeting.
According to a circular issued by General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, Ajaero will be honouring the invitation on Thursday, August 29, 2024, and the NLC has called for a united response from its affiliates and state councils.
In Abuja, members of the Central Working Committee (CWC) and other supporters are asked to gather at the NLC National Headquarters by 8:00 AM to accompany President Ajaero to the police station.
In state capitals, members are directed to assemble at their state Congress secretariats. From there, they will march peacefully to their respective State Police Headquarters to participate in a prayer session.
This coordinated effort is designed to protest against what the NLC describes as an effort to intimidate its leadership and suppress the voice of Nigerian workers.
The NLC has stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful and orderly demonstration. However, they have also warned that if President Ajaero is detained, a nationwide indefinite strike will be launched.
The Congress called for support and solidarity from its members to defend civic rights and uphold the integrity of the labour movement during this challenging period.
“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike,” the circular stated.