Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of a police invitation extended to its president, Joe Ajaero. Obi described the police invitation as a predictable response given the NLC’s critical role in holding the government accountable.
In a statement released on Thursday, Obi expressed his support for the NLC and urged it not to be intimidated by the police’s actions. He emphasized that the NLC’s role as a major representative of the nation’s workforce inherently places it in a position of scrutiny, especially in times of political tension.
Obi, who received support from the NLC during the 2023 presidential election, called on the federal government to exercise caution and adhere to the rule of law in handling the case involving Ajaero. He stressed the importance of following legal procedures and ensuring that the NLC’s rights are respected.
“The anxiety surrounding the Nigeria Police’s invitation to NLC President Joe Ajaero is not surprising given his pivotal role as leader of the nation’s workforce,” Obi noted. “The NLC acts as a key interlocutor between the federal government and various labor disputes, making its position crucial in national issues.”
He also pointed out that the allegations mentioned in the invitation letter circulating on social media are significant and require clarity regarding whether they pertain to Ajaero’s personal actions or his responsibilities as NLC president.
Obi cautioned against any potential autocratic tendencies by the government and reiterated that such invitations are expected but should be managed with strict adherence to legal standards and principles. He urged the NLC to continue leveraging its strengths to uphold democratic principles and maintain stability.
“Labour should remain firm in its role and powers to preserve democratic order and sanity,” Obi concluded.
Discussion about this post