By Damilare Adeleye
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, has refused to honour the police invitation on Tuesday, 20th of August, 2024.
He declined the invitation via a letter by lawyers representing the NLC and its President, Ajaero dated August 20, 2024.
The letter from Falana & Falana’s Chambers was addressed to the Inspector General of Police and signed by Samuel Ogala Esq. for the Principal Partner.It stated that Comrade Ajaero would not be able to attend the scheduled interview on Tuesday due to prior commitments.
Instead, he proposed an alternative date of Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
Furthermore, the NLC requested the police to provide the details and nature of the allegations levelled against Comrade Ajaero, citing Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
The letter reads: “We are Solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.
“We have the instructions of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday. 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.”
On Monday, Ajaero had been invited by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
The invitation required Ajaero to appear for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at the IRT Complex in Guzape District, Abuja.
According to the letter, police investigation identified Ajaero as a person of interest in the case.