Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has warned strongly about the invitation of the Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Obi emphasized the importance of the situation in his statement via X, given Ajaero’s critical role as the leader of the nation’s workforce.
Obi said, “The anxiety generated by Nigeria Police’s invitation to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Joe Ajaero, for an interview should not be unexpected given the critical position he holds as leader of the nation’s workforce. The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues.”
Obi called for the implementation of due process, stressing that the accusations against Ajaero are significant, but it remains unclear whether they are related to Ajaero's personal conduct or his role as NLC leader.
He added, “Extreme caution must thus be exercised in the manner in which this issue is handled. It is not unexpected that government will try autocratic methods to view labour as a potential opposition force.”
According to the former governor, it is important for the authorities to strictly follow the rule of law and evidence-based procedures when dealing with the matter.
“Invitations like the one to Ajaero are expected. But the rule of law and the laws of evidence should be observed. Labour should stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity,” Obi stated.
On August 19th, the Nigerian Police Force summoned Ajaero for questioning concerning allegations on financing terror, cybercrime, and other similar offenses. Recall that the police invited the NLC President to its headquarters for questioning.
The invitation letter, which was signed by ACP Adamu Muazu, on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team, stated that Ajaero could be arrested if he didn’t comply.
During an emergency National Executive Council meeting, the NLC resolved that the country would be shut down if Ajaero were to be detained or arrested.
The council urged Ajaero to comply with the police invitation and stated that it was ready to protect its leader against what it perceived as unnecessary harassment.
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