The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has declared that the union will not be intimidated by external pressures, following his appearance at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Ajaero was summoned by the police to respond to allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
Ajaero, accompanied by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), activist Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials, arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.
Allegations Baseless
Speaking to journalists at the Labour House after leaving the police headquarters, Ajaero dismissed the allegations against him and the NLC as unfounded, asserting that the union remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers.
“We can’t be intimidated,” Ajaero stated emphatically. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by labor leaders, Ajaero noted, “You can’t do this job we’re doing without this type of hazard. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced it.
As far back as 1997/1998 with Femi Falana, we were equally together in the cell during the time of Abacha. But whatever the case is, we’re out to continue the struggle.”
Ajaero also emphasized the union’s ongoing commitment to improving workers’ welfare. “We’ve gotten minimum wage, but we can’t be intimidated. We have to press for its implementation as soon as possible.
Every other thing that will make the welfare of the Nigerian workers worthwhile, we will be involved in it,” he added.
The Invitation
Ajaero explained that his appearance before the police was to clear the air on the unfounded accusations leveled against him and the NLC, emphasizing the importance of transparency.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ajaero remained confident, dismissing the claims as an attempt to weaken the labor movement. “Our resolve is stronger than ever,” he asserted. “We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles.”
Ajaero’s appearance at the IRT headquarters followed an initial invitation by the police on August 20, which he was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite the ongoing challenges, he assured that the union remains united and focused on its mission, undeterred by attempts to undermine its efforts.
The NLC, under Ajaero’s leadership, continues to play a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights across Nigeria, and the union’s stance against intimidation and unfounded accusations remains firm.
