NLC President, Joe Ajaero, is set to appear at the Force Headquarters today in response to a Police summons over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
Leaders of industrial unions, civil society allies, and some lawyers are expected to accompany Ajaero.
In solidarity, the NLC has instructed its state councils nationwide to mobilize members for a peaceful procession to state police commands, where prayer sessions will be held.
“In response to the recent summon by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges…we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity,” stated NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has also called on its FCT chapter to rally Abuja-based journalists in support of Ajaero and the NLC. Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK has urged the British government to “prevail on the federal government to end the violent repression and intimidation of trade unions.”
Ugboaja emphasised the peaceful nature of the protests, adding, “If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”
In a circular to NLC affiliates and state councils, Ugboaja stated: “In response to the recent summon by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.
“All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the NLC by 8:00 AM on Thursday (today) to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.
“In state capitals, members should gather at their respective state secretariats. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their state police headquarters where they will hold a prayer session until the President’s interaction with the Police is concluded.
“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained; all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.”
