The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Police Force, threatening a nationwide strike if its president, Joe Ajaero, is detained or harmed.
The resolution was announced by Deputy President Comrade Adewale Adeyanju after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council on Tuesday.
A sea of unionists gathered at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, singing solidarity songs as the meeting took place. The unionists vowed to embark on a strike beginning Tuesday midnight “if anything happens to the president of the congress”.
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The communique reads in part, “The NEC warns the state to desist from its evil intentions and stop the ongoing witch-hunt against the leaders of the Congress forthwith. The Congress will not sit idly by while the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders are trampled upon with impunity by the State.
“The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilizing 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 threat comes after the Nigerian Police Force summoned Ajaero for investigation over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, and cybercrime. A letter dated August 19, 2024, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu, ordered Ajaero to present himself for questioning by 10:00 am today, warning of a warrant of arrest if he fails to comply.
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