The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed members to embark on a nationwide solidarity march today as its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, appears before the Nigeria Police Force for interrogation.
Ajaero was invited by the police on allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
In Abuja, the nation’s capital, members of the NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) and other affiliates are expected to gather at the NLC National Headquarters to accompany Ajaero to the interview venue.
NLC members in state capitals are also directed to assemble at their respective state secretariats before embarking on peaceful processions to their State Police Headquarters.
According to a memo issued by the labour centre’s general secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, these gatherings will include prayer sessions, which will continue until Ajaero’s interaction with the police is concluded.
Ugboaja stated that the peaceful demonstration was intended to unite against what the NLC views as attempts to intimidate its leadership and silence the voices of Nigerian workers.
The NLC has also warned that if Ajaero is detained, all workers nationwide will begin an indefinite strike.
The statement reads, “In response to the recent summons by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilise their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.
“In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction”.
“In state capitals, members should gather at their respective state secretariats of Congress. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their State Police Headquarters, holding 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 calm and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike”.
