Emmanuel OchayiNLC Mobilises for Potential Protests
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has issued a stern warning to the authorities, threatening mass protests and industrial action if anything happens to its president, Joe Ajaero.
This decision follows an emergency meeting held by the union on Tuesday, during which the NLC vowed to defend the integrity and independence of the Labour movement.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe NLC, in a communique signed by Deputy President Sani Minjibir, stated, “We will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement, if anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the Congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the state.”
The congress also called on all civil society groups and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the NLC during what it described as a critical moment in the fight against injustice and oppression.
“The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defense of our shared democratic values,” the communique read.
Falana’s Response to Police Invitation
In a related development, Femi Falana, a prominent lawyer representing the NLC, has responded to the Nigeria Police on behalf of Joe Ajaero.
In a letter signed by Samuel Ogala, a Principal Partner at Falana and Falana Chambers, Falana explained why Ajaero could not honor the police invitation scheduled for Tuesday, 20th August 2024.
“We have the instruction of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, because your invitation letter was received by him yesterday.
He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter,” the letter stated.
Falana further requested an extension of the deadline, proposing Wednesday, 29th August 2024, as a more suitable date.
Additionally, he demanded that the police provide detailed information regarding the nature of the allegations against Ajaero, which include charges of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
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NLC President May Appear Tomorrow
Despite Falana’s request, there are unconfirmed reports that Ajaero may still honour the police invitation tomorrow, Wednesday.
Sources close to the NLC revealed to BusinessDay that, barring any last-minute changes, the NLC president might appear in Abuja as initially requested.
“There’s a possibility that Comrade Ajaero may honour the invitation tomorrow. Preparations are already underway, and the labour union is mobilising its members to accompany him to the police station,” a source disclosed.
The Nigeria Police had earlier summoned Ajaero for an “interview” concerning allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The invitation, which directed Ajaero to report to the IRT Complex, Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 20th at 10:00 AM, came with a warning that a warrant of arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.
NLC Rejects Allegations, Stands Firm
The NLC has strongly condemned the invitation, labelling it as “witch-hunting, intimidation, and harassment.” The union expressed its readiness to honor the invitation but insisted on an extension of the deadline due to the short notice.
“The NLC is prepared to honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand an extension of time given the nature of the invitation. However, this does not legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him,” the NLC’s communique stated.
The NLC described the allegations as “clearly unfounded and politically motivated,” and accused the authorities of attempting to stifle the voice of the working class.
The union emphasised that it views the ongoing actions as an attempt to weaken and destabilise the labour movement, which it described as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses.
“The NEC warns the state to desist from its evil intentions and stop the ongoing witch-hunt against the leaders of the Congress forthwith. The Congress will not sit idly by while the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders are trampled upon with impunity by the State,” the communique continued.
Call for Nationwide Mobilisation
In the light of these developments, the NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people, stating that it would not be cowed or intimidated by what it termed “desperate attempts” to silence the labour movement.
“We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved country,” the NLC declared.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the NLC and its leadership, as they prepare for what could be a significant confrontation with the authorities.
The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications for the labour movement and the broader struggle for workers’ rights in Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
