The Nigeria Police Force has sent another invitation to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, alongside the union’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
This latest summons, dated August 28, 2024, follows an earlier invitation Ajaero honored at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The letter, signed by CP Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, requested Ajaero and Ugboaja’s presence for further investigations into allegations of “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The invitation, seen by Channels Television, stated, “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured… 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 the specified location on Thursday, 5th September, 2024, at 11 am.”
Earlier, Ajaero was summoned by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over accusations including “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
Accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others, Ajaero reported to the Force Headquarters on Thursday morning.
After meeting with the police, Ajaero returned to the NLC headquarters, where he addressed a crowd of NLC members gathered in solidarity.
In his speech, he described the labour movement as the most patriotic organization in the country, vowing not to compromise its integrity despite the challenges.
“The labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment. Labour movement is one of the biggest pan Nigeria organisations, our patriotism from the days of colonial government to even the period of the military is unshakable,” Ajaero said.
Recalling past experiences, including his time in detention under the late General Sani Abacha, Ajaero framed the police invitation as part of the hazards of being a labour leader.
He reaffirmed his dedication to the ongoing struggle for better welfare for Nigerian workers, dismissing the police action as a distraction.
Ajaero expressed deep gratitude to NLC members across the country for their unwavering support, stating, “We will not listen to any distraction.”
