The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down the economy if its President, Joe Ajaero, is arrested by security agents. The Nigeria Police Force had invited Ajaero for questioning on alleged terrorism financing. He was expected to be their guest yesterday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The NLC said: “We believe that we need an extension of time after consultation with our lawyers because this invitation was extended to the president yesterday (Monday) and asked to report to the police by 10:00 a.m. today (Tuesday).”
It nevertheless added that it would honour the invitation “because we are not a faceless organisation. ” The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC met in Abuja yesterday.
Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani told workers who had assembled at the Labour House in solidarity with Ajaero that the invitation was an invitation to workers.
“At the end of the meeting, we reached some resolutions. Part of the resolution is that, as a committed labour centre, we agreed to abide by the rule of law and due process.
“We are already working with our lawyers to look for an extension of time, but this does not legitimise the charges by the Nigeria Police to the congress leadership.
“Secondly, we resolved that if our president is arrested or detained at any moment, we will put our affiliates on red alert to mobilise our membership across the country and down tool,” he said.
The NEC condemned the continued harassment of the NLC leadership and other labour leaders, alleging that it was a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilise the labour movement, which has always stood as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses.
It warned the Nigerian state to desist from its hostile intentions and stop the ongoing witch-hunt. It said the congress will not sit idly while the rights and freedom of its members and leaders are trampled upon with impunity. The NEC called on civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Congress.
“The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defence of our shared democratic values. The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people.
“We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved country,” it said.
This came as a coalition of lawyers in Abuja submitted a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) requesting details of the allegations against Ajaero.
The letter signed by Samuel Ogala, Esq. on behalf of Falana & Falana’s chamber also informed the police that Ajaero “is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in view of the fact that your invitation was received by him yesterday.”
The letter reads in part: “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter with respect to the above subject matter.
“He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter. Therefore, Comrade Ajaero is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
“Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered, Comrade Ajaero requests for the details and nature of the allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime levelled against him.
“While awaiting your positive response to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.” Reacting, the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Luc Triangle, said: “The situation in Nigeria is deeply concerning. These latest events follow a sharp rise in intimidation and repression of trade unions.
“This includes the harassment of activists, the violation of collective bargaining rights and the violent suppression of peaceful protests. We see the systematic contravention of ILO conventions by the Nigerian government, particularly those related to freedom of association and the right to organise.
“Nigeria is a leader in Africa. The government must set a good example regarding respect for human and labour rights and the rule of law. We call on the government to stop these attacks, including the intimidation and judicial harassment of President Joe Ajaero and the NLC.”
Also, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the police invitation. In a statement signed by the organisation’s Director, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International described the allegations against Ajaero as an attempt to intimidate unionists.
It expressed deep concern over fresh attempts by Nigerian authorities to intimidate and harass the NLC. AI noted that freedom of association is guaranteed under international human rights law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and workers cannot be targeted for participating in trade union activities.
It urged the authorities to end the pattern of brazen impunity and respect labour unions’ right to agree or disagree with government policies. AI observed increasing attempts by the Nigerian government to silence the labour union, including the beating and blindfolding of Ajaero by the police in November last year, the raid on the NLC headquarters, and threats and intimidation faced by the leadership over legitimate strike action.
It added: “The Nigerian government is clearly and unlawfully interfering with the functioning of an independent workers union by targeting its leaders with baseless accusations that are gradually crippling the activities of the union.
“The organisation urges the Nigerian authorities to immediately end this bizarre crackdown on the nation’s labour union leaders. The allegations against NLC and its leadership are just punitive measures aimed solely at deterring and punishing them for standing up for workers’ rights.”