Victor Ezeja
President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has said the labour union would continue the struggle for the welfare of the Nigerian workers.
Ajero stated this when he returned to the Labour House after honouring police invitation on Thursday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said he remains unfazed by any form of persecution, adding that he has been used that as a labour activist since the dark days of military era.
He said suffering persecution is one of the things that come with being a labour activist, but they remain unwavering in their commitment to the struggle for the common good of the workers.
Ajaero reported to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday morning, accompanied by popular human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, and other supporters.
READ ALSO: NLC Threatens Mass Protests If Ajaero Faces Harm, Mobilises Nationwide
Speaking to newsmen at the Labour House after his return, the NLC President stressed that the Labour movement has remained one of the most patriotic Nigerian organisation, right from the colonial era through the military regimes. Ajero stated that the NLC is more committed to the nation than any other institution in the country, assuring that the union would continue to be patriotic.
His words: “We have gone there, and we are back. I just want to confirm to you that, as a citizen, we have gone there, and we are back.
“You can’t do this type of job we are doing without hazards, it is expected. Way back in 1997/98, Falana and I were together in a cell, enjoying ourselves during the Abacha era. So, this is one of the hazards of our job.”
We’ll continue to Push for new minimum wage implementation
Reiterating his commitment to continue the struggle for workers’ welfare, the NLC President said they gotten approval for new minimum wage but it is yet to be implemented. He vowed to continue working with other labour leaders to push for its implementation.
He said they will not be distracted by anything as they fight for workers’ welfare.
He thanked fellow comrades and all organs of NLC for their solidarity.
Prime Business Africa recalls that the NLC president was invited by the police to answer question regarding an ongoing investigation about alleged terrorism financing.
The invitation followed a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja. The police authorities said the exercise was to uncover seditious materials linked to the recent nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance.
The NLC and other labour unions have accused the Federal Government of attempting to intimidate and silence labour leaders.
After an emergency meeting on 20th August NLC condemned the allegations against Ajaero, stating that the notice given was short. They requested for an extension of time to enable the president prepare and come.
Before honouring the invitation on Thursday, labour members had gathered at the national secretariat of the NLC on Thursday in solidarity with their President.
In an address, the Congress General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, said the union is ready to answer any charges, adding that they are not running to anywhere.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
