Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has announced that he will respond to a police invitation this week. Ajaero, who has recently faced scrutiny from security agencies like the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), plans to go to the police headquarters on Wednesday, September 25.
During a meeting with workers and union officials in Lagos over the weekend, Ajaero emphasized that efforts to intimidate organized labor will not succeed. He noted that he had previously attended a summons on August 29 to address some allegations.
“I was recently apprehended and held by the state, which was a blatant effort to intimidate and stifle our movement. They anticipated uncovering misconduct, but we have maintained our resolve. It is imperative that we all continue to uphold this spirit,” Ajaero noted.
Ajaero expressed gratitude to international organizations, especially those associated with the global trade union community, for their ongoing support during challenging times for the labor movement.
“Let me say the strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but also in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves.
”Our hands, must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come, as they will;, they will find nothing to use against us. Comrades, you have seen it firsthand.
“As we, therefore, prepare for the struggles ahead, remember they can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit.
”They can throw every obstacle on our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must be vigilant, united and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.”
“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization, ILO, the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, ITUC-Africa, Public Services International, PSI, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all the patriotic Nigerians.
“Your collective voices condemned the actions of the government against the NLC and its“leadership, and for this, we remain profoundly grateful,” Ajaero said.
