Joe Ajaero
Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has revealed that he is returning to the police headquarters this week to honour another invitation by the force.
Ajaero has recently been scrutinized by security agencies, particularly the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Addressing a group of workers and union officials in Lagos over the weekend, Ajaero asserted that attempts to intimidate and suppress organized labour would ultimately be unsuccessful.
“I was recently apprehended and held by the state, which was a blatant effort to intimidate and stifle our movement. They anticipated uncovering misconduct, but we have maintained our resolve. It is imperative that we all continue to uphold this spirit,” Ajaero noted.
He, however, stated that he would respond to the final police summons extended to him on Wednesday, September 25.
The NLC president said: “On August 29, we honoured the summons of the state to answer to some allegations and on the 25th of this month, we shall honour another one, this time at the police headquarters in Abuja.
“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. Comrades, you have seen it firsthand.
“As we, therefore, prepare for the struggles ahead, remember 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.”
Ajaero conveyed NLC’s appreciation to all international organizations, especially those affiliated with the global trade union community, for their steadfast support of the labour movement during its recent difficulties.
“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization, ILO, the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, ITUC-Africa, Public Services International, PSI, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all the 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.
