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| nlc president joe ajaero |
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally communicated to the police the reasons why its president, Joe Ajaero, could not respond to a police invitation yesterday.
In light of the growing tension between the labour union and the Nigeria Police, the NLC has instructed its members to prepare for a potential nationwide strike if necessary.
Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria has accused the federal government of attempting to undermine and intimidate the NLC and its leadership with allegations of terrorism financing.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has also expressed concern over what it describes as escalating attacks on the trade union movement in Nigeria.
Ajaero was scheduled to appear before the police investigation team yesterday for questioning regarding allegations of terrorism financing and treasonable felony. However, the labour movement requested that the police reschedule the date to August 29.
In a letter to the police authorities from NLC’s lawyers, Femi Falana Chambers, Ajaero explained that the notice was too short. He mentioned that he received the police invitation only yesterday, when he already had a prior engagement.
The letter, signed by a principal partner at Falana’s chambers, Samuel Ogala, stated that Ajaero would be ready to appear before the police team next Wednesday, after the details of the police allegations against him had been clarified.
The law firm’s letter, addressed to the Inspector General of Police and dated August 20, 2024, read, “We have the instruction of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he was unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, due to the short notice. He had a prior engagement scheduled before receiving your invitation.
“Therefore, Comrade Joe Ajaero will be ready for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.”
Anticipating a possible detention of Ajaero, the labour centre issued a communique after its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, directing all state chapters and affiliates to mobilize workers for an indefinite strike from midnight if anything happens to Ajaero.
The NLC stated that Ajaero’s summons was based on an unfounded and politically motivated investigation into alleged terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
In the communique signed by NLC Deputy President, Comrade Ado Minjibir, the congress stated, “The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilizing their members across the nation.
“The congress 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, NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils on alert to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 midnight today.”
The NLC also called on all civil society allies and the general public to stand in solidarity with it during this critical moment.
The NEC meeting was convened to discuss the recent developments surrounding Ajaero’s invitation by the Nigeria Police.
**AI Accuses FG of Targeting NLC Leaders**
Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria has accused the federal government of making concerted efforts to undermine and intimidate the NLC and its leadership over alleged terrorism financing.
A statement by the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, described the fresh allegations of terrorism against the NLC and its leaders as a blatant attempt to cripple the union.
Sanusi emphasized that the government’s actions were a clear violation of international human rights laws, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the freedom of association.
“Workers cannot be targeted for participating in trade union activities,” he added.
The statement titled, ‘Targeting of NLC and its leaders aimed at crippling the union,’ read, “Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the Nigerian authorities’ fresh attempts to further intimidate and harass the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) through threats of arrest of its President Joe Ajaero.
“We urge the authorities to end this pattern of brazen impunity and respect the right of the labour unions to agree or disagree with the government and its policies.
“Under international human rights law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, freedom of association is guaranteed, and workers cannot be targeted for participating in trade union activities. The Nigerian authorities have an obligation not only to respect the rights of workers but also to protect these rights from abuse.”
ITUC Condemns Alleged Intimidation of Trade Unions
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has expressed concern over what it describes as rising attacks on the trade union movement in Nigeria.
In a statement by ITUC General Secretary, Luc Triangle, the body said, “This week, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero was summoned by the police as part of an investigation into ‘criminal conspiracy’ and ‘terrorism financing’.
“Earlier this month, heavily armed security forces raided and occupied the headquarters of the ITUC-affiliated NLC, arresting a union worker and wrecking the organization’s bookshop.
“The situation in Nigeria is deeply concerning. These latest events come on the back of a sharp rise in intimidation and repression of trade unions.”
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