NLC Calls Emergency Meeting Over “Intimidation” by Police Following New Summons

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is holding an emergency meeting today amid escalating tensions over what labour leaders describe as “unacceptable intimidation” by the Nigeria Police Force.

The meeting has been called in response to a recent summons issued to NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja for further questioning by the police.

Sources within the NLC indicate that today’s gathering is pivotal, as the union’s leadership will decide on their next steps in confronting what they see as a concerted effort to undermine and intimidate them.

The police have summoned Ajaero and Ugboaja to answer questions regarding allegations of criminal intimidation, disturbing public peace, and malicious damage to property.

The questioning is set for September 5, 2024, with Deputy Inspector of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), CP Rufus Alajide, expected to lead the session.

NLC’s Head of Information, Benson Upah, voiced strong opposition to the police actions in a statement to The Guardian, calling them a “clear case of witch-hunt and intimidation” orchestrated by state forces.

He stressed that the NLC would not allow the state’s coercive mechanisms to suppress the labour movement, saying, “It should be understood that we are a responsible organisation that always considers the nation’s and citizens’ welfare. The repeated invitations and the recent raid on the NLC office are clear signs of an orchestrated agenda by the state to harass and intimidate dissenting voices.”

Upah continued, “This latest invitation, so soon after the last, clearly suggests a deliberate intent by the state. It is evident to all. Those who doubted our adherence to the law can now see we have not acted improperly. The raid was a violation of our rights and an act of impunity meant to scare, harass, and intimidate.”

When asked if the upcoming meeting with the police might be postponed like the previous one, Upah stated, “The decision will be made by the organs. Some schedules have already been set.”

As the situation develops, the NLC’s response could have significant implications for its relationship with the Nigerian authorities and its role in advocating for workers’ rights.