Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, paid a visit to the Nigeria Police Force’s intelligence response team headquarters in Abuja on Thursday to honour an invitation issued by the police last week.
Ajaero, who was summoned by the police to face charges of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, appeared at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.
He was accompanied by NLC lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), as well as a large number of union members and supporters.
Ajaero emerged immediately after entering, claiming that he was left alone after his statement was taken and that the claims against him were unfounded.
He promised that the labour union would not be frightened by external pressure and that the NLC would continue to defend the rights of Nigerian workers.
Speaking on the challenges faced by labour leaders, the NLC President remarked, “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 got the 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 stated that his attendance before the police was for the sake of transparency and to clear the air regarding the “unfounded” accusations levelled against him and the NLC.
He denounced the terrorism financing charges against him as an attempt to harm 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 declared.
True to their resolve, NLC members marched peacefully to police offices across the states in support of Ajaero.
In Abia State, joyful NLC members marched to Umuahia’s police headquarters.
The union members, led by Emma Alozie, Secretary of the NLC in Abia State, held a prayer session at the police headquarters, as requested by the organisation’s leadership in a Wednesday circular.
As news of Ajaero’s release spread from Abuja, Alozie informed the NLC members, “We will now offer prayers of thanksgiving.”
