The spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has said that the Nigeria Police invited the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, over issues bordering on alleged terrorism financing.
A statement by Upah said: a personal message sent to. Comrade Joe Ajaero by SP Moshood said: ‘We were at the Labour House to submit this (letter of invitation) but the place was locked, sir’.
“We find this curious because staff were in the office beyond 6 pm. We also note that Comrade Joe Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Preceding the raid, the Congress had advised the government to have a dialogue with the organisers of the (hunger) protest even as the congress had clearly stated it was not part of the protest.
“The congress criticised the police for the high casualty rate during the protest. The congress, in its NEC communique after the raid, expressed outrage at the behaviour of the police and demanded an apology from both the police and the government.
“At its world press conference last Thursday, the congress had raised the alarm that should anything happen to the leadership of the congress or any of its members, the police should be held accountable.
“The question on the lips of those in the know is: Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?”
But the Police in its invitation letter said that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has been invited by the Intelligence Response Team, (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation.
According to a letter signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Nadamu-S. Muazu, Ajaero is required to appear at the IRT Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
The investigation revolves around allegations of: Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion and Cybercrime.
The letter warned that failure to comply may result in a warrant of arrest being issued.
This development comes amidst ongoing industrial actions and tensions between labour unions and the Nigerian Government.
GIK/APA