The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero has requested for the details of the allegations made against him by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) while rejecting their invitation.
The Nigerian Police is currently investigating Ajaero over the allegations of connection with terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony.
The police in a statement signed by spokesman, ACP Adamu Muazu had asked the NLC president to report to it on Tuesday morning.
A coalition of Abuja lawyers on behalf of Ajaero, however, wrote a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), requesting the details and nature of the allegations.
The letter dated Tuesday, August 20, 2024 was signed by Samuel Ogala, Esq. on behalf of Falana & Falana’s chamber.
Ogala told the security authorities that Ajaero will not be able to honour the invitation because the NLC President received it late.
“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,” the letter read.
“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 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.”
The NLC has, meanwhile, threatened to call for mass protests and a strike action if the police maltreats its president, Ajaero.
The leadership of the NLC met on Tuesday morning to discuss the invitation of Ajaero by the police.
It said it will mobilise its members and other Nigerians for mass protests and an industrial action if their president is maltreated.
The NLC, however, said Ajaero would respond to the invitation despite the allegations levied against him being baseless.
The Nigeria Labour Congress also asked for extension of time for Ajaero to honour the invitation of the police.
“As a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process, the NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation,” the statement read.
“However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him.
“The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation.
“The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.
“If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the Congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the State.
“NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 Midnight today.
“The NEC calls on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress in this critical moment.
“The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defense of our shared democratic values.”
