Politician and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the Nigeria Police Force to exercise restraint in handling the ongoing case against Joe Ajaero, the leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress.
Obi’s call for caution follows the NPF’s allegations that Ajaero is involved in terrorism funding and his subsequent invitation to the force headquarters in Abuja.
In response to Ajaero’s invitation, the union has threatened a nationwide strike if the police detain him.
Reacting to the situation on Thursday, Obi stated that the allegations against Ajaero by the NPF are serious and ambiguous, and should be approached with caution.
He said, “The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues. On that basis alone, without prejudice to due process, Mr Ajaero represents an umbrella organization that should inform the authorities of their approach and modalities.
“The alleged infractions listed on the letter of invitation circulating on Social Media, are weighty and there is no clarity on the circumstances and if the authorities are attributing these to personal conduct or responsibilities devolving on Mr Ajaejo as the undisputed leader of NLC.
“Extreme caution must thus be exercised in the manner in which this issue is handled. It is not unexpected that government will boot try autocratic methods to vow labour as a potential opposition force.
“Invitations like the one to Ajaero are expected. But the rule of law and the laws of evidence should be observed. Labour should stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity.”