The presidency has asserted that Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), must adhere to legal obligations and respond to summons from security agencies. This follows controversy over Ajaero’s halted international travel, which was reportedly due to his failure to comply with an ongoing investigation.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that Ajaero’s travel restriction stemmed from his refusal to attend an invitation from law enforcement. “No one is exempt from legal summons under the Constitution of Nigeria,” Onanuga stated, emphasizing that this applies to all citizens, including leaders in other countries.
Onanuga noted that the Department of State Services (DSS) invitation was related to Ajaero’s status as a citizen, not his role as NLC President. He urged Ajaero to address the matter through proper legal channels.
The presidency also addressed broader labor issues, citing past opposition by labor unions to the privatization of refineries, which they argued hindered economic development. The completion of a major refinery by Aliko Dangote, initially opposed by labor, was highlighted as an example of significant progress.
Despite the current tensions, the presidency reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding civil liberties and pursuing economic reforms to enhance national prosperity.
