President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero has agreed to honour an invitation to the Force Headquarters in response to a police summon on allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
He was invited 11 days ago by the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police. In a show of solidarity, leaders of industrial unions affiliated with the NLC, workers, civil society organizations, lawyers, and other allies are expected to accompany Ajaero to the police headquarters Thursday.
The NLC has also instructed its state councils nationwide to organize peaceful processions to state police commands and hold prayer sessions in support of Ajaero and the broader labour movement amidst these challenging times.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has also joined the movement, directing its Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter to mobilize Abuja-based journalists to the Force Headquarters in solidarity with the NLC and its President.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in the United Kingdom has called on the British government to pressure the Nigerian federal government to cease what it described as violent repression and intimidation of trade unions.
READ ALSO : NLC executives may accompany Ajaero to honour police invitation over involvement in terrorism financing
The police initially summoned Ajaero on August 19, ordering him to appear for questioning on August 20, under the threat of arrest if he failed to comply. However, on August 20, Ajaero’s lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, explained the reasons why the NLC President could not honor the invitation at that time.
In a circular addressed to NLC affiliates and state councils, NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja urged members to mobilize and show solidarity with Ajaero as he faces the police today on what the NLC describes as “trumped-up charges.”
“In state capitals, members should gather at their respective state secretariats. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters where they will hold a prayer session until the President’s interaction with the Police is concluded.
“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike,” the statement read.
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