Human rights activist and legal counsel to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Chief Femi Falana, has explained why the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, will not be able to honour the Nigeria Police’s invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Falana noted that Ajaero had prior engagements scheduled for August 20, before receiving the Police’s invitation on Monday. As a result, Ajaero has informed the Police that he will be available at the Force Headquarters on August 29 instead.
In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police through Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed Sanusi, Chief Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also requested the Police to provide detailed information on the allegations against Ajaero, which include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The letter, titled “Re: Letter of Invitation,” was signed by Samuel Ogala on behalf of Chief Falana. It reads:
“We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter regarding the above subject matter.
We have been instructed by Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, as he only received your letter yesterday. He has a prior engagement that was scheduled before receiving the invitation.
Therefore, Comrade Ajaero is prepared to attend the interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, Comrade Ajaero requests the details and nature of the allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime leveled against him.
While awaiting your positive response to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest regard.”
The NLC and its leadership are currently awaiting the Police’s response to the request for more information on the charges.
