Tensions are rising in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and across other states in Nigeria as Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), responds to a police summons today, Thursday.
This development follows the NLC’s announcement of a planned nationwide solidarity action in response to the Nigeria Police’s invitation of Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing.
The details of this action were outlined in a notice issued by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Wednesday.
The NLC has directed its affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and nationwide to show support.
“In response to the recent summons by the Nigeria Police Force for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges on Thursday, August 29, 2024, we call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity.
“Details for Participation: In Abuja: All CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8am on Thursday, August 29, 2024, to accompany the President to the police for the scheduled interaction,” the circular partly reads.
It is important to recall that the police had previously summoned Ajaero to appear on August 20, 2024, over alleged involvement in terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
However, Ajaero, through his lawyer, Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, requested that the meeting be rescheduled to August 29 due to his unavailability on the initial date.
The police’s invitation of Ajaero followed a nighttime raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.
The police stated that the raid aimed to uncover seditious materials related to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
