NLC Holds Emergency Meeting Following Ajaero’s Police Summons

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) in response to the police’s summons of its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, over allegations of terrorism.

The emergency meeting, announced in a circular dated August 19, 2024, was issued by NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emma Ugboaja. The circular, titled “Notice of Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) Hybrid Meeting,” invited all State Council Chairpersons and Secretaries, Presidents and General Secretaries, National Administrative Council (NAC) members, and the NLC Youth Chairperson to attend.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. NEC members in and around Abuja have been encouraged to attend in person at the Labour House in Abuja, underscoring the importance of their presence.

The NLC has raised concerns over the nature of the allegations against Comrade Ajaero, with the Congress expressing suspicion regarding the police’s handling of the situation. A statement released by Comrade Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, criticized the police for failing to properly address Ajaero by his official title in the summons.

According to the statement, Ajaero has been invited by the Nigeria Police Force for an “interview” in connection with charges of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” The invitation letter, signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, was dated August 19, 2024, and directed Ajaero to report to the IRT Complex at Abattoir by Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. The letter also warned that a warrant for his arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.

In a related development, SP Moshood reportedly sent a personal message to Comrade Ajaero stating that police officers had attempted to deliver the invitation letter at the Labour House but found the premises locked, despite staff reportedly being present beyond 6 p.m.

The NLC’s statement also noted the ongoing controversy surrounding the recent raid on its headquarters, which followed a protest that the Congress had distanced itself from. The NLC has been critical of the government’s response, particularly the high casualty rate during the protest, and has demanded apologies from both the police and the government.

During a world press conference held last Thursday, the NLC warned that the police should be held responsible if any harm befalls the leadership of the Congress or any of its members. The unfolding situation has prompted speculation, with some questioning who might be seeking to remove Joe Ajaero from his position.