In the event that anything were to happen to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, who has been invited by the Police due to charges of financing terrorism, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, the NLC leadership has threatened to start large-scale protests and industrial actions.

Following an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Monday to examine the Police’s invitation to the NLC President, the union made this announcement on Tuesday morning at its offices. 

According to the NLC, a “clearly unfounded and politically motivated investigation by the Police” served as the basis for the leader’s invitation.

The NEC decided that Ajaero would accept the police invitation, but they would like additional time to arrange for the NLC President to meet with the police. 

In a press release following the Tuesday meeting, the NLC asked its affiliates and state councils to be ready to issue additional orders if the police behaved in a way that did not align with their expectations.

It reads: “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. However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him.

“The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation. 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. 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 puts all its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 Midnight today.

“The NEC calls on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress in this critical moment. The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defense of our shared democratic values.”