NLC Refuses to Be Intimidated Amidst Allegations Against President Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed not to be silenced by what it describes as state-sponsored harassment, intimidation, and persecution following the police’s invitation of its President, Joe Ajaero, on serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

In an interview with Vanguard, an NLC leader emphasized the union’s unwavering commitment to opposing policies that have led to widespread suffering and hunger among Nigerians. The leader suggested that certain interest groups are determined to undermine the current leadership of the Congress.

The NLC has also called on its affiliates to shut down the economy if Ajaero is arrested.

“There are deliberate efforts by some interest groups to silence the NLC under its current leadership. But they fail to realize that we cannot be silenced,” the leader asserted. “We are fighting a just cause and have the right to voice our concerns in a democracy. Workers elected us to advocate on their behalf—they are hungry, suffering, and in pain. These are the realities we are bringing to the government’s attention, which they seem unwilling to hear. That’s why they’re targeting us, attempting to suppress our voice by any means.”

The leader also dismissed any connection between the NLC and the recent police investigation into the operator of a bookshop in Labour House, viewing it as an attempt to weaken the union due to vested interests.

Meanwhile, human rights activist and NLC lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has clarified why Ajaero could not attend the police summons at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, stating that the labour leader would be available to appear on August 29.