The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide solidarity march today, in response to its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, facing interrogation by the Nigeria Police Force. Ajaero is being questioned on serious charges, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
In Abuja, NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) members and affiliates will gather at the NLC National Headquarters to escort Ajaero to the police interview. Similarly, NLC members in state capitals are instructed to assemble at their state secretariats before marching peacefully to their State Police Headquarters.
NLC General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja outlined the plans, which include prayer sessions that will continue until Ajaero’s interrogation ends. Ugboaja stressed that the demonstration is a response to what the NLC views as attempts to intimidate its leadership and silence Nigerian workers.
The memo stated: “In light of the Nigeria Police Force’s summons for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to be interrogated on August 29, 2024, we urge all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to demonstrate solidarity. In Abuja, members are to meet at the NLC National Headquarters by 8:00 AM on August 29 to accompany the President to the police station.”
“In state capitals, members should gather at their state congress secretariats and proceed with peaceful marches to their State Police Headquarters, holding prayer sessions until the President’s interrogation concludes. This march is a collective stand against actions perceived as attempts to intimidate our leadership and stifle the voice of Nigerian workers. We call on all participants to remain calm and orderly.”
The NLC has also warned that any detention of Ajaero will prompt a nationwide indefinite strike, underscoring the union’s commitment to protecting its leadership and advocating for workers’ rights.