The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that it will not be silenced by state-sponsored harassment and intimidation following the police invitation of its President, Joe Ajaero. The police have accused Ajaero of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. Despite these allegations, the NLC remains steadfast in its opposition to policies that it says cause mass suffering and hunger among Nigerians.
One NLC leader, in an interview with Vanguard, stated that certain interest groups are attempting to silence the Congress under its current leadership, but they will not succeed. The NLC also called on its affiliates to shut down the economy if Ajaero is arrested, emphasizing their commitment to fighting for the rights of workers who are experiencing severe hardships.
Meanwhile, human rights activist and NLC lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has clarified that Ajaero could not meet the police’s initial summons but is prepared to appear on August 29. The NLC maintains that the police actions are a cover-up, aimed at weakening the labor movement due to vested interests.