The Nigeria Police Force has summoned the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, to appear at Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024. This new summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero had already honored a previous police invitation over allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
This time, the NLC leaders are being called in to respond to accusations of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties. The invitation was issued by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Ajaero remains defiant, asserting that the NLC will not be intimidated by external pressures. “We can’t be intimidated. The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide,” Ajaero stated.
Reflecting on the challenges of being a labor leader, Ajaero noted the historical difficulties faced by union leaders, referencing his own experiences from the late 1990s when he was detained with human rights lawyer Femi Falana under the Abacha regime. “You can’t do this job we’re doing without this type of hazard… But whatever the case is, we’re out to continue the struggle. We’ve got the minimum wage, but we can’t be intimidated. We have to press for its implementation as soon as possible,” he added.
Ajaero emphasized that his appearance before the police is to ensure transparency and to address what he described as “unfounded” accusations against him and the NLC. He dismissed the terrorism financing allegations as an attempt to undermine the labor movement.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” Ajaero declared.
