Mobilization efforts have started by the organised labour in Abia State in anticipation of the likely detention of the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
A statement titled “Harassment of the Nigeria Police on organised labour and NLC President” was released on Wednesday, jointly signed by the state chairman Ogbonnaya Okoro and secretary Emma Alozie.
According to the statement, “Upon receipt of an Interview Invitation for Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, all industrial unions and workers of Abia Civil Service are notified to be prepared for the following action:
In the event of any arrest of the NLC President or any other labour leader after this unwarranted invitation, all workers are instructed to stop working from 12am (midnight) on the same day (Wednesday, August 29, 2024).”
While encouraging workers to await further instructions and directives regarding the course of action, which may involve a strike or protest, Abia NLC advised various stakeholders including the state government, security agencies, civil liberty organizations, the public and media houses to take note. Workers are urged to stay updated as “An invitation to the President is an invitation to the workers.”
It was reported that the NLC confirmed the police’s invitation of its president, Ajaero, on Monday concerning allegations related to criminal activities. However, the NLC responded on Tuesday explaining the President’s unavailability for interrogation.
Anticipating a potential arrest of Ajaero, the labour union issued a communique on Tuesday after an emergency National Executive Council meeting, instructing all state chapters and affiliates of the NLC to prepare workers for an indefinite strike starting at midnight if any harm comes to Ajaero.