In a concerning development, the Nigerian Police has summoned Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for interrogation on charges related to alleged "criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime".
According to Benson Upah, the NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Ajaero was summoned via a letter dated August 19 and signed by ACP Adamu Mu'azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Intelligence. The letter stated that Ajaero's name was mentioned in an ongoing investigation connected to the alleged criminal offenses.
Upah said the letter directed Ajaero to report at the IRT Complex, Abbattoir by Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20 at 10:00, threatening that a warrant of arrest would be issued against him if he failed to report. A personal message was also sent to Ajaero by one SP Moshood, stating that they had visited the Labour House to deliver the letter of invitation, but the place was locked.
The NLC found the development curious, as there were workers in the office until 6 p.m. and Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Upah stated that this was not the first time the NLC had faced challenges, as the organization had previously advised the government to dialogue with the organizers of the protests, even though the NLC was not part of the protest. The NLC had also criticized the police for the high casualty rate during the protests and expressed outrage at the behavior of the police, demanding an apology from both the police and the government.
The question on the minds of those familiar with the situation is, "Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?" Upah added that the NLC had raised an alarm at its world press conference last Thursday, stating that should anything happen to the leadership of the Congress or any of its members, the police should be held accountable.
This latest development comes amid ongoing tensions and protests in Nigeria, with the NLC playing a significant role in advocating for the rights of workers and engaging with the government. The summoning of the NLC president on such serious charges raises concerns about the potential crackdown on labor leaders and the suppression of dissent in the country.