The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its members across the country to participate in a peaceful prayer procession on August 29. This move follows the police summons of NLC President Joe Ajaero for questioning on serious charges, including alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
NLC Mobilizes Workers for Solidarity
Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC General Secretary, announced this development in a letter sent to all NLC affiliates and state councils. The letter, titled “Mobilization for Peaceful Procession and Prayer Session in Solidarity,” highlighted the NLC’s concerns about what they describe as baseless charges against Ajaero.
The letter urged NLC members to gather in Abuja and other state capitals to show their support. “We call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity,” Ugboaja stated. He further instructed all Central Working Committee members residing in Abuja to assemble at the NLC National Headquarters by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the procession. The NLC intends for this peaceful procession to be a powerful statement against what it sees as efforts to intimidate its leadership.
Nationwide Prayer Sessions Planned
Across Nigeria, NLC members are expected to gather at their respective state secretariats. In these locations, participants will march to the State Police Headquarters and hold prayer sessions. This will continue until the conclusion of Ajaero’s meeting with the police. Ugboaja emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the march, describing it as a collective stand against actions aimed at silencing the labor movement.
Furthermore, the NLC sees these charges against Ajaero as an attack on the rights of Nigerian workers and their representatives. Ugboaja warned that if Ajaero is detained, the NLC would call for an indefinite nationwide strike. “If for any reason the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on an indefinite strike,” he declared.
Unity in the Face of Allegations
The NLC is urging its members to stay unified and steadfast during this challenging period. “Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending civil rights and the integrity and rights of the labor movement,” Ugboaja said. He further noted that the NLC’s resolve to uphold justice and fairness in Nigeria remains firm.
This call for unity comes amid heightened tensions between the labor movement and government authorities. However, the NLC believes that these charges against its president are part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent and weaken the labor movement. In addition, the union’s leadership insists that they will continue to advocate for the rights of workers and maintain their commitment to democracy and social justice in Nigeria.
The unfolding events have drawn attention from international labor organizations and human rights groups. Many have voiced concern over the charges against Ajaero and the potential implications for freedom of speech and assembly in Nigeria. Moreover, the outcome of Ajaero’s meeting with the police could have significant repercussions, not just for the NLC but for the broader struggle for workers’ rights and democracy in the country.
With a strong show of solidarity planned for August 29, the NLC and its members are preparing to make their voices heard. The labor movement’s leaders have made it clear that they will not back down in the face of what they perceive as an unjust and politically motivated attack on their leadership.
Source: Punch
