“NLC President Joe Ajaero Set to Respond to Police Invitation Again This Week”

Babatunji Wusu –

– Joe Ajaero is returning to police headquarters in response to another invitation.
– He asserts that intimidation efforts against organized labor will fail.
– Ajaero emphasizes the importance of integrity and unity within the movement.
– He expresses gratitude to international organizations for their support during recent challenges.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has announced his intention to return to the police headquarters this week to respond to another invitation from the authorities. Ajaero has recently faced scrutiny from security agencies, particularly the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking to a gathering of workers and union officials in Lagos over the weekend, Ajaero emphasized that attempts to intimidate organized labor would ultimately fail. He remarked, “I was recently detained by the state in a blatant effort to stifle our movement. They expected to find misconduct, but we remain resolute. It is crucial that we uphold this spirit.”

He confirmed that he will comply with the police summons on Wednesday, September 25, stating, “On August 29, we answered the state’s call regarding certain allegations, and now we will attend the police headquarters in Abuja on the 25th.”

Ajaero stressed that the strength of the labor movement lies in its integrity: “Our actions must remain pure, so when adversaries come, they will find nothing against us. Comrades, you have witnessed this firsthand.”

As he prepares for upcoming challenges, Ajaero urged unity and vigilance, asserting, “They can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit. They may place obstacles in our way, but they cannot destroy our unity.”

He also expressed gratitude to international organizations and global trade unions for their unwavering support during recent challenges, acknowledging entities such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and various national unions. “Your collective voices have condemned the government’s actions against the NLC and its leadership, and for this, we are profoundly grateful,” Ajaero concluded.