Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajearo addressed members of the union who waited until he was done with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
Ajaero was accompanied by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and other esteemed senior NLC officials when he arrived at 10:17 am and departed at 11:15 am after giving his statement.
While expressing his gratitude to his comrades, the NLC president reassured them of his unwavering commitment to the union and its cause. He reiterated that the labour movement is a cause worth fighting for, a cause he is fully dedicated to.
“I thank all comrades in the state who are in various state commands. Comrades, the labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment. The labour movement is one of the biggest pan-Nigerian organisations.
“Our patriotism, from the colonial government to even the military era, is unshakeable. We are more patriotic than other institutions you can think of in this country, and we will continue to be that.
“We have gone there and we’re back and I just want to confirm to you that as a citizen, I’ve gone there and we are back here,” Ajaero said.
“You can’t do this type of job we are doing without experiencing this type of hazard. It is expected. For those who called me, I told them that this is part of the hazard of the job. So comrades, even at the unit level, some of us experience this.
“As far back as 1997 to 1998, I was in the cell with Femi Falana during Late General Sani Abacha’s regime. What is important is the circumstances that took you to that place.
“But whatever is the case, we’re out to continue the struggle. We have gotten minimum wage but it has not been implemented so we have to press for its implementation as soon as possible.
“Everything that will make the welfare of Nigerian workers to be worthwhile would be involved in it. We will not listen to any distractions.
“On behalf of the NLC, National Administrative Council (NAC) and The National Executive Council (NEC), the Central Working Committee (CWC) I want to thank all of you for the level of solidarity they showed here. I didn’t know you all loved me,” he said.
He concluded by praying for all who supported him, reaffirming his stance that the NLC is committed to the welfare of Nigerians.