Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has advised the Federal Government to exercise extreme caution in handling the allegations against Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Ajaero has been summoned by the police over accusations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
In a statement on his official X handle, Obi emphasised that given Ajaero’s critical position as the leader of the nation’s workforce, such an invitation should not be surprising.
He noted that the NLC serves as an important interlocutor with the Federal Government on labor disputes and national issues.
Obi urged that the situation be handled with sensitivity, considering the serious nature of the allegations and the unclear circumstances surrounding them.
Obi stated, “The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues. On that basis alone, without prejudice to due process, Mr Ajaero represents an umbrella organization that should inform the authorities of their approach and modalities.
“The alleged infractions listed on the letter of invitation circulating on Social Media, are weighty and there is no clarity on the circumstances and if the authorities are attributing these to personal conduct or responsibilities devolving on Mr Ajaejo as the undisputed leader of NLC.
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“Extreme caution must thus be exercised in the manner in which this issue is handled. It is not unexpected that government will boot try autocratic methods to vow labour as a potential opposition force.
“Invitations like the one to Ajaero are expected. But the rule of law and the laws of evidence should be observed. Labour should stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity,” he added.
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