The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) leadership has accused the Federal Government of harassing its leaders and has warned of a potential nationwide strike if the Nigerian Police Force detains its president, Joe Ajaero.
This warning was issued by the union’s deputy president, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, following an emergency meeting of the group’s National Executive Council on Tuesday.
During the meeting, a large group of union members gathered at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, singing solidarity songs.
The unionists said the strike would begin on Tuesday midnight “if anything happens to the president of the congress”.
On Monday, the Nigerian Police Force summoned Ajaero for investigation over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony and cybercrime.
The NPF invitation was contained in a letter dated 19th August 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team.
The summon had ordered the NLC president to present himself for questioning by 10:00 am today.
The police also warned that a warrant of arrest would be issued if Ajaero failed to comply.
Read Full Communique After The NEC Meeting:
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 to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 Midnight today.
The NEC calls on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress in this critical moment. The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defence of our shared democratic values.
The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people. 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.