The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), has called on its members to march to Police stations across Nigeria as its President Joe Ajaero honours Police invitation over allegations of terrorism financing and treason.
The NLC Central Working Committee in a circular signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, directed all its state councils and affiliates to gather for a peaceful procession and prayer session in solidarity with the president.
QuestNews reports that the Police had on Aug. 20, invited the NLC president to appear at the Force headquarters Abuja.
The invitation was extended to him, to answer to questions bothering on allegations of treasonable felony, terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, as well as criminal conspiracy.
Ajaero, however, did not honour the invitation, as his lawyer, Femi Falana, in a letter, said he had prior engagements lined up before the invitation.
The NLC had condemned the action, saying the allegations against Ajaero were trumped-up and politically motivated to silence organised labour.
Meanwhile, the NLC in the circular issued ahead of Ajaero’s appearance on Thursday, gave details of participation in the solidarity march.
“In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8:00 a.m on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
“This is to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.
“In state capitals: Members should gather at their respective state secretariats of congress.
“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.”
The circular further reads, “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.
“Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.
“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation.”
QuestNews reports that Ajaero’s invitation came shortly after Police raided the NLC National Secretariat in Abuja.
According to the Police, the raid was to uncover seditious materials in connection with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.