The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has been summoned by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
The invitation, detailed in an official letter, requires Ajaero to appear for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at the IRT Complex in Guzape District, Abuja.
According to the letter, the investigation has identified Ajaero as a person of interest in the case.
“You are therefore invited to interview the undersigned on Tuesday 20th Aug, 2024 by 10:00hrs prompt,” the letter stated.
The letter further warned that failure to comply could lead to a warrant for Ajaero’s arrest. “Be informed that in the event of failing to honour this letter, this office will have no alternative than to activate a warrant of arrest against you,” it added.
SP Moshood Lawal, who attempted to deliver the letter, confirmed to SaharaReporters, “We were at the Labour House to submit this but the place was locked.”
The letter was signed by ACP Inadamu-S. Muazu, on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, IRT.
The outcome of the investigation and Ajaero’s response to the summons are eagerly anticipated by both the authorities and the public.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported that armed security men suspected to be from the Department of State Services recently invaded the Labour House, the office of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, breaking into some of the floors and carting some materials away.
A source said they carried various materials into their vans, claiming that the materials were used to incite and organise the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests in the country.
Earlier that day the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC called for the reversal of what it called the “ill-conceived policies of the government” which had led to the current economic crisis.
“The government must implement policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources,” the executive body said in a communique signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary.
It directed all workers across the country to continue to take measures to protect themselves as the masses try to make their voices heard, adding that they must maintain their commitment to non-violence.
“The NLC remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population,” it said. “We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that justice, equity, and good governance prevail in our nation.”
It mandated the national leadership to decide on a date to be set aside as a National Day of Mourning in honour of those killed or injured in the protests.
The NEC further called for an independent investigation into the attacks on the protesters, affirming that those responsible for them must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families, and the peaceful protesters being held freed without delay.
