President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has asserted that efforts to intimidate and silence organized labor will not succeed. He announced that he would honor the latest police invitation extended to him on Wednesday, September 25.
Ajaero has recently faced scrutiny from security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). Speaking to workers and union officials in Lagos, he remarked, “Recently, I was arrested and detained by the state, a clear attempt to intimidate and silence our movement. They hoped to find wrongdoing, but we have kept faith alive. We must all do the same.”
He referenced a previous summons from the state on August 29, affirming their commitment to attend the upcoming police meeting in Abuja. “The strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but also in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves,” he emphasized.
Ajaero encouraged unity and vigilance among members, stating, “They can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit. They can throw every obstacle in our path, but they cannot destroy our unity.” He expressed gratitude to international organizations, particularly those within the global trade union family, for their unwavering support during recent challenges.
“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), ITUC-Africa, and others for condemning the government’s actions against the NLC and its leadership,” Ajaero concluded.