The Nigeria Police Force has once again summoned Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the union’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, for questioning.
The invitation letter, dated August 28, 2024, was issued a day before Ajaero responded to a previous summons at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Signed by CP Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, the letter states that this latest invitation is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of “criminal intimidation, malicious damage to properties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The letter, obtained on Friday, reads: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace, and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name is mentioned.
“You are requested to appear with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 11 a.m.
“Upon arrival, you may contact Mr. Usman at GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated.”
The NLC President was previously summoned by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over accusations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
On Thursday morning, Ajaero appeared at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others.
After responding to the summons, Ajaero returned to the NLC headquarters, where he addressed a crowd of NLC members who had gathered to show their support.
In his speech, Ajaero praised the labour movement as the most patriotic organization in the country, vowing that the union would never compromise its commitment to patriotism, regardless of the challenges it faces.
“The labour movement is worth dying for because of its patriotism and dedication. It is one of the largest pan-Nigerian organizations, and our patriotism, from the colonial era to the military period, is unwavering,” Ajaero stated.
“We are more patriotic than any other institution in this country, and we will continue to uphold that. We have been there and come back, and I want to assure you that as citizens, we have fulfilled our duty and returned.”
He described the police summons as one of the risks inherent in being a labour leader, recalling how he was even detained at the unit level during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha in the 1990s.
Ajaero emphasized that the most important thing now is that he has returned to continue the struggle for better welfare for Nigerian workers, adding, “We will not be distracted.”
He also expressed gratitude to the NLC members at the headquarters and across the country for their unwavering support.