The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has announced that he will once again appear before the Nigeria Police this week to honor an official invitation. This comes in the wake of recent scrutiny and alleged attempts by state security agencies to undermine his leadership and the organized labour movement. Ajaero, a key figure in Nigeria’s labour activism, has been under investigation by both the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
### Ongoing Tensions Between the NLC and Security Agencies
Addressing a gathering of workers and union officials in Lagos over the weekend, Ajaero disclosed his intent to comply with the latest police invitation, scheduled for Wednesday, September 25. This follows a similar appearance he made on August 29, when he was summoned by state security forces for questioning regarding certain allegations. While the details of these allegations have not been made public, Ajaero’s rhetoric indicates that the state’s actions may be part of a broader campaign to suppress the voice of the labour movement.
“I was recently apprehended and held by the state, which was a blatant effort to intimidate and stifle our movement,” Ajaero told union members. “They anticipated uncovering misconduct, but we have maintained our resolve. It is imperative that we all continue to uphold this spirit.”
Ajaero affirmed that while the state’s actions aimed to intimidate, the labour movement’s determination remains unshaken. He reassured the union that their efforts would not be thwarted by attempts to discredit them.
### A Call for Vigilance and Integrity
Ajaero emphasized the importance of unity and integrity within the labour movement as they prepare for future struggles. He urged union members to remain steadfast, highlighting that the strength of their collective efforts lies not only in their determination but also in the transparent manner in which they conduct their activities.
“Let me say the strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but also in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves. Our hands must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come, as they will, they will find nothing to use against us,” Ajaero said.
He added, “They can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit. They can throw every obstacle on our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must be vigilant, united, and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.”
### International Support for NLC
The NLC president took the opportunity to express gratitude to various international organizations and trade unions that have rallied in support of the NLC amid the ongoing confrontations with the Nigerian government. He particularly acknowledged the efforts of global labor organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), among others.
“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa, Public Services International (PSI), Congress of South African Trade Unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all patriotic Nigerians. Your collective voices condemned the actions of the government against the NLC and its leadership, and for this, we remain profoundly grateful,” Ajaero said.
As Ajaero prepares for the next stage of his confrontation with the state, the NLC and its supporters remain determined to defend the rights of workers and ensure that the labour movement continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
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