NLC Rallies Nationwide as Ajaero Faces Police Interrogation Today

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has mobilized its members for a nationwide solidarity march today as its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is set to appear before the Nigeria Police Force for questioning. Ajaero has been summoned over allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

In the capital city of Abuja, NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) members and affiliated groups are expected to gather at the NLC National Headquarters to escort Ajaero to the police interview. Meanwhile, NLC members in state capitals have been directed to assemble at their respective state secretariats before embarking on peaceful marches to the State Police Headquarters.

The NLC’s general secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, issued a memo outlining the plans for today’s demonstrations, which will also include prayer sessions until Ajaero’s interaction with the police is concluded. The NLC asserts that the peaceful march is a show of unity against what it perceives as attempts to intimidate its leadership and suppress the voices of Nigerian workers.

In a stern warning, the NLC has declared that should Ajaero be detained, all workers across the nation will commence an indefinite strike.

“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,” the NLC’s statement reads.

The NLC has urged all participants to remain calm and orderly throughout the peaceful procession and prayer sessions, emphasizing that the march is a stand against what it considers unjust actions aimed at silencing the labor movement.