The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of a nationwide strike if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is detained by the Nigerian Police over allegations of terrorism financing.
The union’s leadership announced this threat on Tuesday morning at their headquarters, following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to discuss the police’s summons of Ajaero.
After their discussions, the NEC decided that Ajaero should comply with the police invitation, but they will ask their legal adviser to request an extension for his appearance.
Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, the Deputy President of the NLC, addressed the press following the meeting.
He said, “As a committed labour center, we will honour the invitation of the police because we are not a faceless organization, but we are working with our lawyer for an extension of time.
He declared, “If our Congress President is arrested or detained, we will immediately put our affiliates on high alert to mobilize our members nationwide. All workers should stop work and cease providing services.”
The NLC has instructed its members and all workers to shut down the economy if Ajaero is arrested.
Sani explained that this resolution was reached after careful consideration and consultation with legal experts.
“We are working with our lawyers to seek an extension of time, but this does not legitimize the charges brought by the Nigerian police against the Congress leadership,” he said. “Furthermore, we have resolved that if our Congress President is arrested or detained at any time, we will put our affiliates on red alert to mobilize our members across the country, and all workers should stop work.”
“This resolution is in place because this organization belongs to all of us, and we must do everything possible to protect its integrity. We thank you and ask that you await further directives from our leadership.
“Whatever happens, we will communicate with your leadership, and your leadership will inform you. So we urge you to remain calm, return to your workplaces peacefully, and wait for further instructions.”
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