The Nigeria Labour Congress has threatened to mobilise its members and other Nigerians for mass protests and an industrial action if the police maltreats its President, Joe Ajaero.

The leadership of the NLC which met on Tuesday morning to discuss the invitation of Ajaero by the police. The police had said the labour leader’s name had been mentioned in connection with terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, during an investigation. The police had asked him to report to it on Tuesday morning.

But the NLC said Ajaero would respond to the invitation though the allegations against him were baseless. It also asked for extension of time for Ajaero to honour the invitation.

The statement said: “As a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process, the NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation. However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimise the baseless allegations levelled against him.

“The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilising their members across the nation. The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement. If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the Congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the State.

“NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 Midnight today.

“The NEC calls on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress in this critical moment. The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defense of our shared democratic values.”

PMNews