Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has returned to the Labour House after honoring a controversial police invitation that has sparked widespread attention. Ajaero was questioned at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja and left after submitting his statement around 11:15 am.
Addressing a gathering of labour members who welcomed him back at the NLC headquarters, Ajaero reaffirmed his commitment to the labour movement, stating, “The labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment. We are more patriotic than any other institution in this country, and we will continue to be so.”
Accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, Ajaero was summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja to respond to allegations including terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony. His appearance has intensified tensions within the labour movement, with accusations that the Federal Government is attempting to intimidate its leaders.
Before Ajaero’s appearance, NLC members gathered at the Labour House in solidarity. The NLC’s National Executive Council, during an emergency meeting on August 20, condemned the police actions, labeling the charges against Ajaero as baseless and politically motivated. They criticized the short notice for his police appearance and requested a postponement. The NLC leadership warned against Ajaero’s potential arrest, threatening a nationwide strike if he were detained, with Deputy President Comrade Minjibir Ado declaring, “We will not tolerate the harassment of our leaders.”
