The Nigeria Labour Congress says its leader, Joe Ajaero, will honour the invitation by the police for investigation over alleged terrorism subversion. NLC deputy president Kabiru Sani said the union arrived at the decision at its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, with some executives joining virtually.

The police invited Mr Ajaero for interrogation on charges related to alleged “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.”

Mr Sani said NEC maintained that Mr Ajaero’s invitation was premised on a clearly unfounded and politically motivated investigation, yet they would honour the summon.

“As a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process, the NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation,” he said.

Mr Sani said NEC also resolved that if anything happened to Mr Ajaero, the labour movement would not hesitate to embark on nationwide protest and strike action.

“The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement. NLC will take the actions if anything happens to the president of the Congress or any other leader of the Congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the state.

“NEC has put all its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 midnight today,” he said.

Mr Sani said the NEC had directed all its affiliates and state councils to mobilise their members across the nation immediately. He also called on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the NLC in its critical moment.

Mr Sani condemned the continued harassment of the leadership of the NLC, describing it as a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilise the labour movement.

According to him, NLC has always stood as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses.

He warned the government to desist from its evil intentions and stop the ongoing witch-hunt against the leaders of the NLC immediately. 

According to him, the NLC will not sit idly while the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders are trampled upon with impunity by the government.

(NAN)