Nigerian Police Reinvite NLC President Joe Ajaero Amid Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Nigeria Police Force has issued another invitation to Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). This latest summons also includes the Secretary General of the union, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
The new invitation, dated August 28, 2024, came just a day before Ajaero had already responded to an earlier police request at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The letter, signed by CP Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, states that the renewed invitation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The invitation, seen by Channels Television, reads: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured, you are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, 5th September, 2024, at 11 am.”
Previously, Ajaero was summoned by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, over accusations including “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” He complied with the earlier invitation, appearing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, among others.
Following his meeting with the police, Ajaero returned to the NLC headquarters, where he addressed a gathering of union members who had come to show their support. In his speech, Ajaero emphasized the NLC’s unwavering patriotism, describing the labour movement as the most patriotic organization in Nigeria. He assured members that the union’s dedication to advocating for workers’ rights and welfare would not be compromised, despite the challenges they face.
“The labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment. Our patriotism, from the days of colonial government to even the period of the military, is unshakable,” Ajaero declared. “We are more patriotic than any other institution in this country, and we will continue to be so.”
Reflecting on his experience, Ajaero noted that dealing with police invitations is part of the risks associated with being a labour leader. He recalled his past encounters, including being detained during the regime of former Head of State General Sani Abacha in the 1990s. Despite these challenges, Ajaero reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for better welfare for Nigerian workers, vowing to remain undistracted.
He expressed his gratitude to the NLC members, both at the headquarters and across the nation, for their solidarity and support.
