1 month ago
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.Says NLC remains committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers
.Real reason why Police invited NLC president emerges
By Ukpono Ukpong
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Thursday, declared that the union will not be intimidated by external pressures, following his appearance at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
The NLC president, who was invited by the police to address allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.
He was accompanied by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), activist Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials.
Speaking to journalists at the Labour House after leaving the Police headquarters, Ajaero asserted that the NLC remains committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and will not be cowed by any form of intimidation.
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Hear him: “We can’t be intimidated. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by labour leaders, Ajaero said: “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. 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”.
Ajaero further explained that his appearance before the Police was in the interest of transparency and to clear the air on the unfounded accusations levelled against him and the NLC.
He noted that the union would continue to fight for the welfare of workers and stand firm in the face of challenges.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ajaero maintained a confident stance, dismissing the claims as an attempt to weaken the labour movement.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” he added.
He, however, assured that the union remains united and focused on its mission, undeterred by attempts to undermine its efforts.
Meanwhile, the real reason why the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was invited for interrogation by the Police has emerged.
Ajaero returned from the Police at around 11:25 am, after undergoing interrogation at the police facility in Abuja.
The Police had invited Ajaero last week for an interview on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cyber-crime.
However, the NLC president had requested to postpone the meeting to Thursday, August 29.
Workers, who had gathered at the Labour House from early Thursday morning, were told that the police main focus was on the foreigner renting office space in the NLC building.
A lawyer from Femi Falana Chambers, Mr. Maxwell Opara, who accompanied the NLC President to the Police station, said the real reason the Police invited Ajaero was merely to seek information regarding the tenant at the NLC headquarters.
Opara also pointed out that the police inquiry did not match the content of their original invitation, which had initially raised concerns.
Ajearo, in his address, said: “I have honoured the police invitation and want to assure workers and Nigerians that the NLC remains dedicated to fighting for their welfare despite any challenges”.
He was cautious when asked to elaborate on the details of his meeting with the police, stating, “They asked about what I know regarding a man who has been declared wanted. The true intent behind my questioning is known only to the police. Since the matter is still under investigation, I won’t serve as a judge.”
Despite the situation, Ajaero reassured that the organised labour movement will continue pressing the government to speed up the implementation of the newly signed national minimum wage.
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