By Damilare Adeleye
As Joe Ajaero, national president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) set to honour the invitation of the Nigeria Police, all national officers of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from its 54 affiliate unions have been asked to accompany him to the police facility.
Recall that the police fingered NLC president over issues ranging around his alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
In an invitation addressed to him, the police asked Ajaero to appear for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at the IRT Complex in Guzape District, Abuja.
However, the NLC President through Femi Falana’s chambers requested an extension of the invitation till Thursday, August 29.
Meanwhile, in a circular to all affiliate unions, their State chapters, and national officers, the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, asked the officers to mobilise for solidarity march on Thursday.
The circular read, “In response to the recent summons by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.
“In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.
“In State Capitals: Members should gather at their respective state secretariats of Congress. 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.” the circular added.
It further noted that if the NLC President was detained all workers shall proceed on indefinite strike action.
“If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike. Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending Civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.”
“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation.”