President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, yesterday declared that the labour centre’s commitment to the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights would not be deterred.
Speaking to a crowd of workers after returning from a police invitation over alleged terrorism financing, Ajaero expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by comrades across the country during what he described as the “hazards of the job.”
The labour leader was invited over allegations of criminal conspiracy, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
Ajaero, in the company of the Congress’ legal representatives, led by Femi Falana, Barrister Maxwell Okpara, and Deji Adeyanju, alongside senior labour leaders, departed Pascal Bafyau’s Labour House, the headquarters of NLC in Abuja, at about 10 a.m.
However, the police interrogation lasted less than an hour at IRT Complex, Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, between 10:17 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Ajaero, who returned to the Labour House amidst cheers from Nigerian workers, further declared that the labour movement was worth dying for because of patriotism and commitment.
He said that the police questioning was routine and that he fully cooperated with the authorities; however, the incident would not deter the NLC from its mission.
Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s demands that the minimum wage and other measures to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers be implemented.
He said, “We have always been, and will continue to be, one of the most patriotic organisations in this country. We have to press for the implementation of the minimum wage as soon as possible.
“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. We’ve gotten minimum wage, but we can’t be intimidated. We have to press for its implementation as soon as possible,” he said.
“We will be involved in everything that will make the welfare of the Nigerian workers worthwhile. We will continue to champion the cause of workers nationwide, no matter the obstacles.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever,” he added.
Ajaero added that the labour movement would not be distracted by any external challenges.
One of the NLC legal representatives, Barrister Maxwell Opara, also took the opportunity to call for the release of individuals detained during the EndBadGovernance protests, urging the authorities to either charge them in court or release them if their detention had exceeded the legally permissible period.
In a show of solidarity, senior officials from the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), represented by the secretary-general, Nuhu Toro, were present at the gathering to reinforce the unified front of Nigeria’s labour movements.
According to NLC general secretary Emmanuel Ogboaja, the labour movement in Nigeria remains a “moving train” that will not be stopped, regardless of the obstacles it faces.
LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that the spat between the NLC and the police began about three weeks ago on August 8 when security agents, who later turned to be police detectives, raided the NLC head office at night, and later claimed to be investigating a foreign national on subversive mission, a claim the NLC debunked.
Afterwards, there were exchanges between the NLC and the police authorities.
