The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened a nationwide shutdown if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the Nigeria Police. The union, following an emergency NEC meeting, vowed to down tools immediately should Ajaero be detained over allegations of terrorism financing.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening a nationwide shutdown if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested or detained by the Nigeria Police Force. This came to light on Tuesday morning following an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) at its headquarters.
The NEC convened urgently after Comrade Ajaero received a police summons regarding allegations of terrorism financing. While the union agreed that Ajaero should honor the police’s invitation, they emphasized that their legal team would request additional time for him to appear before the authorities. This move is seen as a strategy to safeguard their leader from any potential undue treatment.
Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, Deputy President of the NLC, addressed the nation’s workforce, urging them to remain vigilant and prepared for further instructions. He stated, “As a responsible labor center, we will comply with the police invitation because we are not a faceless organization. However, we are working with our legal team to secure an extension. If our President is detained, all workers across the country will down tools immediately. Stay alert for further directives.”
This development has sparked widespread concern, with the NLC demonstrating its readiness to leverage its influence in defense of its leadership. The situation is closely monitored as the nation braces for potential industrial action that could disrupt the entire country.