The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its resolve to resist any form of state-sponsored harassment and intimidation following the police's invitation to its President, Joe Ajaero, over allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The labour movement, undeterred by what it perceives as attempts to silence its leadership, emphasized its commitment to advocating against policies causing mass suffering and hunger among Nigerians.
In a statement, the NLC warned that any attempt to arrest Ajaero could lead to a nationwide shutdown of the economy, as its affiliates have been instructed to take drastic action in response. Human rights lawyer and NLC's legal representative, Chief Femi Falana, SAN, explained that Ajaero could not honor the police invitation on the specified date but would be available on August 29.
The labour movement's concerns have garnered international attention, with global workers' groups and civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Nigeria and ActionAid, expressing outrage over the police's actions. NLC leaders have informed the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) about what they describe as state harassment and intimidation of the union and its leadership.
Deji Adeyanju, a prominent rights lawyer, confirmed that a coalition of Abuja-based human rights lawyers submitted a letter on behalf of the NLC to the police, showing solidarity with Ajaero. The lawyers, alongside civil society organizations, have vowed to accompany the NLC President to the police station when he honors the invitation, prepared to face arrest and detention alongside him if necessary.
NLC leaders have also communicated the developments to the international community, highlighting the grave situation of state repression they are facing. The Congress remains firm in its stance, asserting that it is fighting a just cause for the welfare of Nigerian workers, who are grappling with hunger, suffering, and pain under the current economic conditions.
