The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has convened an urgent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting following the controversial invitation of its National President, Joe Ajaero, by the police. Ajaero has been summoned for questioning over allegations related to terrorism financing, a development that has prompted the NLC leadership to take immediate action.
The emergency NEC meeting is scheduled for today, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 8 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall within the Labour House. All heads of NLC affiliates and state chapters are expected to attend this crucial session. The notice for this meeting, signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC’s Secretary General, was issued promptly and emphasizes the importance of the gathering.
According to reports, Joe Ajaero has been invited by the Deputy Commissioner of Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to address allegations that include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The official invitation, detailed in a formal letter, requires Ajaero to attend an interview at the IRT Complex in Guzape District, Abuja, on August 20, 2024. The letter indicates that Ajaero has been identified as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
The NLC has expressed significant concern over the police action, viewing it as potentially politically motivated or a form of harassment against their leader. In a statement issued by Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, the union has called for transparency and clarification from the police authorities. The NLC demands to understand the specific reasons behind the invitation and seeks assurance that the process is fair and not influenced by external pressures.
The situation has sparked a debate within the labor community and beyond, with many interpreting the police’s actions as an attempt to undermine the NLC’s leadership and possibly influence its activities. The NLC’s emergency meeting aims to address these concerns and formulate a response strategy to support Ajaero and protect the integrity of the organization.
This unfolding scenario highlights the tense relationship between labor unions and government agencies in Nigeria. As the investigation proceeds, the NLC is closely monitoring the developments and preparing to respond to any further actions that may affect its members and leadership. The outcome of today’s meeting and subsequent investigations will likely have significant implications for the NLC and its role in Nigerian labor politics.
