NLC Calls Emergency NEC Meeting in Response to Police Summons of Ajaero
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has convened an urgent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting following the police summons of its National President, Joe Ajaero, over allegations related to terrorism financing.
The NEC meeting is set for 8 a.m. today, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, and will include all affiliate leaders and state chapter representatives. The notice for this meeting, issued by NLC Secretary General Emmanuel Ugboaja, reads:
“Greetings from the Congress headquarters. You are invited to an emergency National Executive Council Hybrid meeting scheduled as follows: Tuesday, August 20, 2024; 8 a.m., Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House.”
According to News360 Nigeria, Ajaero has been summoned by the police on charges including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, felony, subversion, and cybercrime. The invitation letter, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, indicates that Ajaero’s name has surfaced in ongoing investigations related to these allegations. He is required to report to the IRT Complex, Abattoir near Guzape Junction, at 10 a.m. today, with a warning that a warrant of arrest will be issued if he fails to attend.
Earlier reports by News360 Nigeria also noted that security forces conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja on July 7. The police later confirmed their involvement, citing the operation as an attempt to uncover documents related to an international figure deemed a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The NLC has condemned the raid, rejected the police’s justification, and demanded the release of detained members and the return of seized documents. The Congress has also criticized perceived government attempts to interfere in its operations, including proposals to shorten the tenure of trade union leaders.
