A significant number of workers have gathered at the labor house to escort Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to the Force Headquarters today.
Ajaero is responding to a police summons over allegations boardering on criminal conspiracy, financing terrorism, treason, subversion, and cybercrime.
Industrial union leaders, civil society advocates, and several lawyers are anticipated to accompany him.
In a show of solidarity, the NLC on Wednesday, instructed its state councils to mobilize members for peaceful marches to state police commands and organize prayer gatherings.
“In response to the recent summon by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges…we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity,” stated NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja.
In a circular to NLC affiliates and state councils, Ugboaja emphasised the peaceful nature of the protests, saying , “If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”
He added that, “All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the NLC by 8:00 AM on Thursday (today) to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.
“In state capitals, members should gather at their respective state secretariats. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters where they will hold 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 peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has also urged its FCT chapter to mobilize Abuja-based journalists in support of Ajaero and the NLC. Additionally, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK has called on the British government to pressure the Nigerian federal government to cease the violent repression and intimidation of trade unions.
