The Police have resummoned the Nigeria Labour Congress, President Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.
The new summons comes less than 24 hours after Ajaero met with the police to discuss alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime charges.
According to an invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, Abuja, entitled “Investigation activities,a Invitation letter,” this time the NLC President and General Secretary are to answer questions on alleged criminal intimidation, conduct likely to disrupt public order, and malicious property damage.
The letter read, “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties in which your name featured, you are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, FID, through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, 5th September 2024, at 11 am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139.
“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
This came after the police summons on August 19, which ordered Ajaero to appear the next day, August 20, and threatened him with arrest if he did not comply.
Nonetheless, Ajaero, through human rights campaigner Femi Falana, wrote to the Inspector General of Police to explain why he could not honour the summons on the specified day.
He did, however, inform the IGP that he will appear on August 29 to respond to the alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
True to his word, Ajaero, Falana, Maxwell Opara, and Deji Adeyanju, among other lawyers and Labour leaders, proceeded to the Force Headquarters to honour the police summons.
Speaking to journalists on his return from the Force Headquarters over an hour later, Ajaero insisted that the Labour movement could not be intimidated. He declared that the allegations against him were “baseless.”.
Ajaero mentioned that the NLC remained committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and would not be cowed by any form of intimidation.
“We can’t be intimidated,” he stated emphatically, adding that “the allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on the issues confronting union leaders, Ajaero stated, “You can’t do this work without this type of risk.
“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 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 went on to say that his appearance before the police was for the sake of transparency and to clear the air about the baseless accusations levied against him and the NLC.
He stated that the union would continue to fight for workers’ welfare and stay steady in the face of adversity.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Ajaero remained confident, rejecting them as a ploy to harm the labour movement.
He said, “Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles.”
Ajaero noted that the NLC remains united and committed to its goal, unaffected by attempts to discredit it.
