Police Invitation: Stick To Your Strength – Peter Obi Tells NLC

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to stay strong amid invitation to its president, Joe Ajaero, by the Police.

Peter Obi said the invitation given to Ajaero by police was expected since the organized labour poses threat to the government’s autocratic intention.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi charged NLC not to be cowed by the police invitation of Ajaero, in its duty of holding the federal government accountable.

The former governor of Anambra State who was supported by NLC during the 2023 presidential election advised the government to exercise caution. He advised the police to follow the rule of law in managing the Ajaero case.

Obi said, “The anxiety generated by Nigeria Police’s invitation to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajero for an interview should not be unexpected given the critical position he holds as leader of the nation’s workforce.

“The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues. On that basis alone, without prejudice to due process, Mr Ajaero represents an umbrella organization that should inform the authorities of their approach and modalities.

“The alleged infractions listed on the letter of invitation circulating on Social Media, are weighty and there is no clarity on the circumstances and if the authorities are attributing these to personal conduct or responsibilities devolving on Mr Ajaejo as the undisputed leader of NLC.

“Extreme caution must thus be exercised in the manner in which this issue is handled. It is not unexpected that government will boot try autocratic methods to vow labour as a potential opposition force.

“Invitations like the one to Ajaero are expected. But the rule of law and the laws of evidence should be observed. Labour should stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity.”