The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given a serious directive to its members and all workers across the country, instructing them to shut down the economy if their President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested.
This order comes in response to an invitation extended to Ajaero by the Nigerian police over allegations of terrorism financing.
In reaction to this development, the NLC convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Labour House.
During the meeting, the union resolved to request an extension from the police, allowing them time to consult with their legal team.
Speaking at the emergency meeting, NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the invitation to Ajaero is, in essence, an invitation to all workers.
Sani said, “At the end of the meeting, we reached some certain resolutions. Part of the resolution is that, as a committed labour centre, we agreed or that we abide by the rule of law and due process.
“We will honour the invitation of the Nigerian police because we are not a faceless organisation, but we believe that we need an extension of time, after consultation with our lawyers, because this invitation was extended to the Congress President yesterday and asked to report at the police by 10 a.m. today.
“So we are already working with our lawyers to look for extension of time, but this does not legitimise the charges by the Nigerian police to the Congress leadership.”
He further warned that if Ajaero is arrested or detained, the NLC is prepared to mobilize its members nationwide to down tools and halt all services.
“This is the resolution because Comrades, this organisation belongs to all of us, therefore we should do everything possible to safeguard the safety of this organisation. We, therefore, thank you very much, and you should wait for further directives by our leadership.
“Whatever happens, we will communicate your leadership, and your leadership will communicate with you. So we urge you to remain calm and go back peacefully to our workplace and await further directives.”
The NLC’s stance underscores the critical importance they place on the situation, signaling their readiness to take decisive action if necessary.
