President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has answered police invitation on Thursday, affirming his refusal to be cowed by any attempts to undermine the union’s solidarity or weaken its resolve.
Joe Ajaero, summoned by the police to respond to grave charges of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonous plotting, presented himself to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) office at precisely 10:17 a.m., and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.
Emerging from the police headquarters and speaking to journalists at the Labour House, Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s dedication to protecting the interests and rights of Nigerian workers. Unfazed by the alleged intimidation attempts he had just faced, Ajaero emphasized that the NLC will not be deterred from its mission to advocate for workers’ rights, declaring that the union will continue to fearlessly and steadfastly champion the causes of Nigerian workers, regardless of any external pressures or threats
We can’t be intimidated,” he stated emphatically. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Drawing on his personal experience as a labour leader and the challenges he and his colleagues have faced over the years, including being imprisoned under the regime of former President Sani Abacha, Joe Ajaero reflected on the risks inherent in his work.
He noted, “You can’t do this job we are doing without this type of hazard. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced it, as far back as 1997/1998 with Femi Falana, we were equally together in the cell during the time of Abacha… but whatever the case is, we’re out to continue the struggle, we have gotten minimum wage but we can’t be intimidated, we have to press for its implementation as soon as possible.
“Every other thing that will make the welfare of the Nigerian workers worthwhile, we will be involved in it.”
Seeking to dispel any ambiguity or misunderstanding regarding the accusations directed at him and the NLC, Ajaero clarified that his voluntary appearance before the police was a display of his unwavering commitment to transparency and truth.
He emphasized that the NLC will remain resolute in its pursuit of improved welfare for workers in Nigeria. Asserting that the union is unwavering in its conviction and unyielding in the face of adversities, Ajaero affirmed that the NLC is willing to confront any challenge, secure in the knowledge that its cause is just and its mission noble
Despite the gravity of the accusations leveled against him and the NLC, Ajaero stood his ground, exuding confidence as he dismissed the charges as an insidious effort by certain elements to undermine the labor movement and diminish its power.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever,” he added. “We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles.”
The NLC president appearance at the Intelligence Response Team headquarters in Abuja was a result of a prior
Recall that the police had invited the NLC President on August 20, and according to him, he was unable to honor due to unforeseen circumstances.
