The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has declined an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force, citing prior commitments as the reason for his inability to attend.
Mr Ajaero’s decision was communicated through a letter from his legal representatives, Falana and Falana Chambers, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbotun
Police authorities had on Monday night, invited Joe Ajaero for interrogation over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime and other related offences.
The letter, which acknowledged the receipt of the police summon only a day earlier, stressed that Ajaero had prior engagements scheduled before receiving the police summons.
The letter dated August 20 and signed by Samuel Ogala on behalf of Femi Falana reads, “We are Solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter.
“We have the instructions of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday.
“He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter. Therefore, Comrade Ajaero is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.”
Also, while citing section 36 of the 1999 constitution, Falana requested the details of the allegations levelled against Ajaero.
“Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered, Comrade Ajaero requests for the details and nature of the allegations of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime levelled against him.
“While awaiting your positive response to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem,” the letter added.
Newsband reported that there has been a serious face-off between the NLC and the government. The Union, recently accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of targeting the organization, particularly after a raid on its headquarters by security operatives.
During a press briefing held last Thursday in Abuja, NLC leaders outrightly rejected the explanation given by the police for the raid, which was allegedly aimed at arresting a so called international terrorist suspect.
The NLC described the justification as a cover-up and pointed out inconsistencies in the police’s narrative.
The Union demanded an apology from the government, the return of seized items, and the release of detained individuals.
Also, the union condemned what it perceives as government attempts to meddle in its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders.
The NLC argued that such actions are in violation of labour laws and international conventions.
As the situation unfolds, the NLC’s leadership has vowed to resist any government actions that threaten the autonomy and rights of the labour movement in Nigeria.