“We can’t be intimidated. The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide,” declared Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday after his appearance at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
Ajaero, who was summoned by the police to address accusations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony, arrived at the IRT office at 10:17 a.m. and left shortly after 11:15 a.m. He was accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), activist Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials.
Speaking to journalists at the Labour House after leaving the police headquarters, Ajaero reiterated that the NLC is dedicated to protecting the rights of Nigerian workers and will not be intimidated by any threats.
“We can’t be intimidated,” he emphasized. “The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.”
Reflecting on the difficulties faced by labor leaders, Ajaero said, “You can’t do this job without facing some hazards. Even at the unit level, some of us have experienced this. As far back as 1997/1998 with Femi Falana, we were in the same cell during the Abacha era. But no matter what, we are determined to continue the struggle. We’ve secured a minimum wage, but we cannot be intimidated. We must press for its prompt implementation.”
He added, “We will be involved in every effort that makes the welfare of Nigerian workers worthwhile.”
Ajaero explained that his appearance before the police was to ensure transparency and to address the baseless accusations against him and the NLC. He emphasized that the union would continue to fight for workers’ welfare and stand firm in the face of any challenges.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ajaero dismissed them as an attempt to weaken the labor movement. “Our resolve is stronger than ever,” he stated. “We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, regardless of the obstacles.”
Ajaero’s appearance at the IRT headquarters followed an initial invitation by the police on August 20, which he was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. He assured that the union remains united and focused on its mission, undeterred by any attempts to undermine its efforts.
