By Aliu Akeem
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, have been summoned by the police to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024. This latest summons comes less than a day after Ajaero complied with a previous invitation regarding allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
In an invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, and signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, the NLC leaders are now required to answer questions concerning alleged criminal intimidation, conduct likely to breach public peace, and malicious damage to property. The letter requests their presence at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex in Abuja at 11 am on the specified date.
The letter reads, “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of criminal intimidation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties, you are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), at SPO’s Room 112, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 11 am. On arrival, you may wish to call Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited.”
This recent development follows a previous summons on August 19, which required Ajaero to appear the next day, August 20. Ajaero, through human rights activist Femi Falana, had requested a rescheduling of the date, explaining his inability to comply on the specified day. He later appeared at the Force Headquarters on August 29, alongside Falana, Maxwell Opara, Deji Adeyanju, and other lawyers and labour leaders, to address the earlier allegations.
Speaking to journalists after his visit to the Force Headquarters, Ajaero maintained that the Labour movement could not be intimidated and dismissed the allegations as “baseless.” He reiterated the NLC’s commitment to defending Nigerian workers’ rights and vowed that the union would not be deterred by such intimidation tactics.
“We can’t be intimidated,” Ajaero asserted, adding that, “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.” He reflected on the historical challenges faced by labour leaders and affirmed the NLC’s dedication to pushing for workers’ welfare and fair implementation of the minimum wage.
Ajaero emphasized that the NLC remains resolute and undeterred by attempts to undermine its efforts. “Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles,” he declared.
