Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC is expected to appear at the Force Headquarters today in response to a police summons over serious allegations.
The police summons had allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, and treasonable felony.
Ajaero will be joined by union leaders, civil society allies, and lawyers.
In response, the NLC has mobilized its state councils to organize peaceful processions to state police commands, where members will hold prayer sessions.
Read Also: NLC Boss Ajaero Ignores Police Invitation on Terrorism Financing
NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja circulated a memo addressed to NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize the procession.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ has also thrown its weight behind Ajaero, calling on its FCT chapter to rally journalists in Abuja in support of the NLC.
In a show of international solidarity, the UK’s Trade Union Congress, TUC has called on the British government to intervene and pressure the Nigerian federal government to halt the violent suppression and harassment of trade unions, urging an end to the escalating repression.
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.”
Ugboaja said: “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.”
