Silencing Tactics Won’t Work, Says NLC President

…Says He Will Honour Police Invitation Wednesday

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has vowed that all attempts to intimidate and silence the organized labour movement will ultimately fail.

Ajaero also confirmed that he would respond to the latest police invitation extended to him on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. This comes in the wake of increased scrutiny from security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking in Lagos to a group of workers and union officials, Ajaero remarked, “Recently, I was arrested and detained by the state in a clear attempt to intimidate and silence our movement. They hoped to find wrongdoing, but we have remained steadfast. We must all maintain this resolve.”

He continued, “On August 29, we answered the state’s summons regarding certain allegations, and on the 25th of this month, I will once again honour their call, this time at the police headquarters in Abuja.”

Ajaero emphasized that the strength of the labour movement lies not only in its determination but also in the integrity with which its members conduct themselves.

“Our hands must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come, as they inevitably will, they will find nothing to use against us. Comrades, you have seen this firsthand.”

He added, “As we prepare for the challenges ahead, remember that while they may imprison our bodies, they cannot imprison our spirit. They may throw obstacles in our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must remain vigilant, united, and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.”

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Ajaero also expressed the NLC’s gratitude to international organizations, particularly those within the global trade union community, for their unwavering solidarity during the NLC’s recent struggles with the government.

“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), ITUC-Africa, Public Services International (PSI), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all patriotic Nigerians.”

“Your collective voices condemned the actions of the government against the NLC and its leadership, and for this, we remain profoundly grateful,” Ajaero concluded.