In response to the escalating conflict between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Police, the NLC has issued a directive for its members to prepare for a nationwide strike starting from midnight on Tuesday. This follows the police's invitation of NLC President Joe Ajaero for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing and treasonable felony.
The directive was announced after an emergency meeting of the NLC's National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja. The labour union expressed its readiness to initiate an indefinite strike if any harm befalls Ajaero. The NEC communique, signed by NLC Deputy President Ado Sani Minjibir, condemned the police's actions as a "clearly unfounded and politically-motivated investigation."
This development comes weeks after a controversial police raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, which was justified by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as part of a search for seditious materials linked to recent nationwide protests. The protests, which turned violent in some parts of the country, particularly in the North, included demands for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation.
Ajaero was summoned to appear for questioning on Tuesday, August 20, at 10 am, with the police threatening to issue a warrant of arrest if he failed to comply. However, Ajaero, through his legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), requested a postponement of the interview to August 29, citing prior engagements. The NLC has pledged to honor the invitation but insists on being provided with details of the allegations against its president.
In its communique, the NLC warned that it would not hesitate to take "all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement." The union also called on civil society and the general populace to stand in solidarity during this critical period.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) also voiced its support for the NLC, condemning the government's actions as an attempt to stifle free speech and labour rights. NUEE described the government's approach as "deplorable" and urged the Federal Government to safeguard labour rights to ensure a just and equitable society for all citizens.
