The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed workers to be ready for immediate industrial action if the police arrest NLC National President Comrade Joe Ajaero or any other labour leader. This move underscores their commitment to defending their leaders and protesting any actions they perceive as unjust.
The notice was detailed in a circular jointly issued by State NLC Chairman Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya and Secretary Emma Alozie, and was provided to Vanguard in Umuahia.
There has been significant public condemnation regarding the police action, which many interpret as an attempt to intimidate labor unions and critics into submission. This backlash highlights widespread concerns about the use of force to stifle dissent and suppress opposition, drawing criticism from various quarters for perceived overreach and abuse of power.
Two days ago, the police invited Ajaero for questioning regarding allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime and other related offences. But the Abia NLC stated that it would not issue additional notices about industrial action. Instead, it will initiate an indefinite strike at midnight on the day any labour leader, including Ajaero, is arrested.
The Abia labour union has begun mobilizing in anticipation of the potential detention of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National President Joe Ajaero on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
The notice states that “Consequent upon the invitation for interview issued to Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the management, all industrial unions and the workers of Abia Civil Service are by this notice informed as follows:
“That upon any ugly incidence of arrest of the NLC President or any other Labour Leader, sequel to this unjustified and untimely invitation, all workers are to down tools as from 12:00am (mid-night) of the same day.
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“Whilst workers wait for further instructions and directives as to mode of engagement which could be strike, protest etc. this information is to serve as our official notice to all concerned.
“The State Government, security Agencies, all Civil Liberty Organizations, the general public, all media houses etc, should take note, even as the workers wait for the next line of action.
“All industrial unions, both in public and private sectors are directed to forward this notice to their units and branches and to commence sensitization and mobilization of their members for total compliance.”
