The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has declared that the union will not be intimidated by external pressures, following his appearance at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Ajaero, who was invited by the police to address allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m.
He was accompanied by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), activist Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials.
Speaking to journalists at the Labour House after leaving the police headquarters, Ajaero asserted that the NLC remains committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and will not be cowed by any form of intimidation.
“We can’t be intimidated,” he stated emphatically. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by labour leaders, Ajaero shared, “You can’t do this job we’re doing without this type of hazard. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced it, as far back as 1997/1998 with Femi Falana, we were equally together in the cell during the time of Abacha… but whatever the case is, we’re out to continue the struggle, we’ve gotten minimum wage but we can’t be intimidated, we have to press for its implementation as soon as possible. Every other thing that will make the welfare of the Nigerian workers worthwhile, we will be involved in it,” he noted.
Ajaero further explained that his appearance before the police was in the interest of transparency and to clear the air on the unfounded accusations leveled against him and the NLC. He noted that the union would continue to fight for the welfare of workers and stand firm in the face of challenges.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ajaero maintained a confident stance, dismissing the claims as an attempt to weaken the labour movement.
Our resolve is stronger than ever,” he added. “We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles.”
The NLC president’s appearance at the IRT headquarters followed his initial invitation by the police on August 20, which he was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
He, however, assured that the union remains united and focused on its mission, undeterred by attempts to undermine its efforts.
(Vanguard)