The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, have been summoned by the police to appear at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on September 5, 2024. This summons comes just one day after Ajaero responded to a previous police invitation related to serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
According to the latest summons, detailed in a letter dated August 28, 2024, and signed by Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Ajaero and Ugboaja are required to answer new charges. This time, the allegations involve criminal intimidation, actions likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property. The letter, titled “Investigation Activities: Invitation Letter,” emphasizes the need for both NLC leaders to present themselves at the FID Complex on Shehu Shagari Way, opposite the Force Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11 a.m.
The content of the letter further indicates that the investigation is progressing, with Ajaero and Ugboaja’s names featuring prominently in connection with these charges. The letter also provides specific instructions for their arrival, including a contact person, Usman, whose phone number was provided for any necessary communication.
This latest police summons follows closely on the heels of a previous one issued on August 19, 2024. Ajaero was initially asked to appear before the police on August 20 but was unable to comply. Instead of ignoring the summons, Ajaero, through prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, formally communicated with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), explaining his reasons for being unable to attend on the specified date. He assured the IGP that he would honor the summons on August 29, which he did.
On August 29, Ajaero, accompanied by Falana, alongside other legal professionals and labor leaders like Maxwell Opara and Deji Adeyanju, visited the Force Headquarters. The visit, which lasted over an hour, was in response to the serious allegations levied against him, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. Despite the gravity of these charges, Ajaero maintained that the accusations were entirely unfounded.
Upon leaving the Force Headquarters, Ajaero addressed the media, emphasizing that the labor movement could not be intimidated by these summonses. He declared that the accusations against him and the NLC were baseless, and he reiterated the organization’s commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers. According to Ajaero, the NLC remains steadfast in its mission and will not be deterred by any form of intimidation.
Ajaero reflected on the challenges that come with leading a labor movement, noting that facing such hazards is not new. He recalled his experience in the late 1990s when he, along with Femi Falana, was detained during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Despite these past and present challenges, Ajaero assured that the NLC would continue its struggle for the welfare of Nigerian workers. He mentioned that while they had succeeded in securing a minimum wage, the battle now was to ensure its prompt implementation. Ajaero was firm in his resolve that the NLC would remain actively involved in all issues that could enhance the well-being of Nigerian workers.
Furthermore, Ajaero’s recent appearance before the police was also framed as an effort to demonstrate transparency and to clear any doubts about the NLC’s activities. He argued that the police summons and the subsequent allegations were attempts to weaken the labor movement. However, he reassured the public and NLC members that these tactics would not succeed in undermining their efforts.
The NLC President also emphasized that despite the ongoing challenges and accusations, the union remains united and focused on its primary mission: advocating for the rights and welfare of workers across Nigeria. He urged workers to stay strong and committed, promising that the NLC’s resolve was stronger than ever and that they would continue to champion workers’ causes, no matter the obstacles.
The series of police summonses issued to Ajaero and Ugboaja reflect an ongoing tension between the Nigerian authorities and the labor movement. While the police continue to pursue their investigations, the NLC leadership remains undeterred, committed to fighting for workers’ rights and maintaining transparency in the face of adversity. The outcome of these investigations and the subsequent actions of the NLC will be closely watched as they could have significant implications for labor relations and the broader political landscape in Nigeria.