From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has reaffirmed his commitment and patriotism to the labour movement, asserting that it is worth dying for.
He made the statement when he addressed supporters after his visit to the police headquarters over allegations of treason, terrorism and cybercrime.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in his role as the NLC president, noting that such difficulties were to be expected. He recalled similar experiences from as far back as 1998, adding that the circumstances surrounding his recent questioning were part of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights.
Ajaero further expressed the NLC’s commitment to ensuring the implementation of the minimum wage, which has been approved but not yet enforced.
He assured that the labour movement remains focused on improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and would not be distracted by these issues.
“Comrades, the labour movement is worth dying for because of patriotism and commitment. Labour movement is one of the biggest pan-Nigerian organisations. Our patriotism during the period of the military was unshakable. We are more patriotic than any other institution you can think of in this country. We have gone there and we are back. I just want to confirm to you that as citizens, we have gone there and we are back here and you cannot do this kind of job without this kind of hazard. It is expected. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced this as far back as 1998. But what is important is the circumstances that took me to that place.
“For whatever the case is, we are out to continue the struggle. We have gotten minimum wage but it has not been implemented, so we have to press for its implementation as soon as possible. Every other thing that will make the welfare of the Nigerian worker to be worthwhile, we will be involved in it. We will not listen to any distractions. On behalf of the NLC NAC and NEC, and CWC and the level of solidarity they showed here, I want to thank everyone of you. ‘I didn’t know say una love me like this.’”
Maxwell Opara, representing the NLC’s lead counsel, Femi Falana, said the inclusion of terrorism financing and treason allegations in the summons letter to Ajaero by the Nigeria Police might have been a mistake.
According to him, the allegations were not discussed during Ajaero’s interview with the police at the Inspector General’s Intelligence Response Team’s office in Abuja. Opara disclosed that the police only asked about a tenant at the Paschal Bafyau Labour House, the NLC Headquarters.
“We were surprised because the allegations listed in the invitation letter were not addressed during the questioning. They were not even mentioned,” Opara said.
The police letter, signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu and dated August 19, had stated that the office was investigating a case involving criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime, in which Ajaero was mentioned. In response, the NLC President said he had nothing to hide, and therefore, complied with the police invitation.
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